Mineral Wells Area News

Palo Pinto County Commissioners on Monday July 28th approved a new emergency communication system that will serve the entire county and be offered free to all cities and special districts.

“What I’m recommending is less than $3,000 a year—and that we offer it to all the municipalities at no charge,” County Judge Shane Long said.

The court voted unanimously to contract with Richardson-based Regroup for a three-year term at a total cost of $6,750. Emergency Management Coordinator Chad Jordan said the system will replace Hyper-Reach, which is still under contract through the end of the year but has proven difficult to work with.

“They’ve steadily gone up on us,” Jordan said. “We’ve not had good communications with them.”

Although the Hyper-Reach contract remains in effect, Regroup has agreed to let the county begin using its platform immediately at no cost.

“That gives folks time to get signed up and for us to get information out,” Jordan said. “They gave us cell phone numbers and said, ‘If you’re struggling, call us—we’ll log in and push it out for you.’”

The new system will allow local jurisdictions to send targeted alerts to residents in specific areas, streamlining emergency notifications for cities and special districts. More information will be shared with the community once the new system becomes available.

“If it was just for the City of Mineral Wells, they would have access to push out notifications within the city limits,” Long said. “Their messages wouldn’t go out to the whole county.”

Lake Patrol Request

Also during public comments, a representative of the Possum Kingdom Lake Association asked commissioners to include funding for a new patrol boat in the upcoming county budget.

“Our members and residents are watching this closely,” the spokesperson said, citing safety concerns and enforcement gaps on the lake.

Burn Ban Reinstated

The court reinstated a countywide burn ban due to ongoing heat and recent fire activity.

“We did have some fires over the weekend. They got them knocked down pretty quick, but I don’t see any relief in sight,” Jordan said.

Sales Tax Revenue Up

The county reported a 14.3 percent increase in sales tax revenue compared to the same month last year.

Settlement Approved in Signage Lawsuit

Commissioners approved a settlement agreement in a lawsuit involving election sign regulations.

“The settlement is really the attorney’s fee, which insurance is going to pay,” Long said. “It’s as guaranteed as lawsuits can be.”

Judge Hodgkins Honored for 45 Years of Service

The court recognized Justice of the Peace C.L. “Coppy” Hodgkins Jr. for more than 45 years of service.

“That’s the longest-serving justice of the peace in Palo Pinto County history, and we believe in Texas,” Long said. “You’re just a few months from 46.”

“It’s been an honor to serve,” Hodgkins said.

A reception followed at the Palo Pinto County Extension Office.

Strawn Project Presented

Commissioners also heard a presentation from City of Strawn officials on a historical redevelopment project at the former Zim’s Café.

“We see it as a chance for job creation, for keeping the… historical preservation,” said City Administrator Danny Miller.

Following an executive session, the court voted to authorize Judge Long to negotiate a possible tax abatement for the project.

Also Monday, the court:

• Approved reports from the sheriff, emergency management, auditor, treasurer and public works
• Accepted proposed budgets for the juvenile department and probation office
• Approved nine budget amendments across multiple departments
• Authorized interlocal tax collection agreements with cities, schools and districts
• Approved replat requests in Ranger Ridge and the Brazos River Authority lease area
• Voted to contribute $2,000 toward the county’s participation in the Back-to-School Fair
• Tabled LexisNexis contract renewals for the district attorney’s office and county law library

Sheriff’s Report

The sheriff’s office reported 1,171 contacts in June, including 48 arrests and 98 inmate bookings.

“We were on offense… we were on top of it,” Sheriff JR Patterson said of his deputies during the holiday lake traffic.

“I had one resident tell me, ‘Nobody’s going to be out driving drunk around here. Every corner has a policeman sitting on it,’” Long said to Patterson. “We appreciate that.”

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