Mineral Wells Area News

Reporting By Gary Norman | Mineral Wells Area News

The Mineral Wells City Council met Tuesday, October 21, approving a series of equipment purchases, adopting new financial policies, and authorizing the next step toward a $59 million Texas Water Development Board loan that will fund major improvements to the city’s water system.

Mayor Regan Johnson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. New city employees Denise Misner and Cindy Pope were introduced by Finance Director and Assistant City Manager Aaron Bovos, while Police Chief Tim Denison introduced new officer Adrian Soto. Chief Denison also presented a Life Saving Award to Sergeant Justin Stine for quickly recognizing a narcotics overdose and administering a life-saving treatment.

Consent Agenda Approvals

Council approved several items without discussion, including technology, fleet, and utility expenditures:

• Meeting technology upgrades: $92,000 to Granicus for agenda management and the Swagit video streaming system, which will allow remote management, closed captioning, and online archiving of City Council meetings.
• Audio-visual system upgrade: $36,007 to Visionality to replace microphones, amplifiers, and ceiling speakers in the council chamber.
• Fire Department vehicle: $51,000 to AutoWorld Chevrolet Buick GMC for a new 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, replacing a 21-year-old truck.
• Public Works equipment: $180,000 to Rush Truck Center for a 2026 Peterbilt dump truck, and $137,000 to Bobcat of North Texas for a wheel loader and compact excavator.
• Water treatment chemicals: $140,000 to PVS DX, Inc. for chlorine used at city treatment plants.
• Employee health insurance: $1.8 million to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Texas for medical and prescription benefits.
• Airport fuel: $900,000 to Epic Aviation LLC for AvGas and Jet A fuel.
• Water meters and parts: $500,000 to Atlas Utility Supply Company as part of the city’s ongoing automated meter replacement program.
• Plan review and inspection services: $125,000 each to SAFEbuilt Texas LLC and Bureau Veritas North America Inc.
• Cooperative purchasing consortium: Approval to join Lynx EMS to leverage group pricing.
• Aviation research participation: Agreements enabling the Mineral Wells Regional Airport to serve as a site for the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT) Airspace Laboratory, supporting testing of emerging aviation technologies.

Water System Loan Moves Forward

In one of the evening’s most significant actions, council approved pledging water, sewer, and ad valorem tax revenues as security for repayment of a $59 million Texas Water Development Board Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan, initiating the issuance process for Certificates of Obligation.

Bovos said the loan carries a 2.9% interest rate, saving the city an estimated $30.4 million compared to issuing debt independently. He added that the repayment is covered under the existing rate structure and that no additional water or sewer rate increases are anticipated.

Council Member Beth Watson asked whether updated project cost estimates had been received. Bovos said none had yet been finalized but added that the city was working to update them. City Manager Jason Weeks noted that current water and sewer rates include capacity to support financing for a future reverse osmosis water treatment plant.

Zoning for Medical Cannabis Dispensaries

Council discussed but did not vote on a proposed zoning ordinance defining “Medical Cannabis Dispensary” as a listed use within the city’s zoning code. The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended the use be permitted in Commercial (C), Light Industrial (LI), and Wolters Park Zone A (WPA) districts.

Resident Red Thomas spoke in favor of medical cannabis for veterans but cautioned the city to carefully regulate its location and appearance, citing negative impacts he observed in Oklahoma.

Building Official Michael Dunn clarified that while state law prevents cities from banning medical cannabis businesses, it allows local governments to control where they may operate. Council members expressed support for limiting such facilities near Palo Pinto General Hospital rather than along major commercial corridors. Mayor Johnson added that further discussions with the hospital’s leadership would be appropriate before drafting an ordinance.

Library and Fee Schedule Updates

Council adopted an ordinance officially making the Boyce Ditto Public Library a fine-free library, eliminating overdue fees and replacing them with actual replacement or damage fees. The city’s Master Fee Schedule was amended to reflect those changes.

Council also approved an ordinance clarifying payment procedures for reconnecting water service, specifying that only past-due balances—not current charges—must be paid before reconnection, simplifying administration and eliminating the need for promissory notes.

Fiscal Policies Adopted

Council adopted two key financial policies:

• A Revenue and Revenue Administration Policy setting standards for handling city funds, daily deposits, employee cash drawer accountability, and periodic audits.
• A Fund Balance and Reserves Policy, requiring the city to maintain fund balances equal to three months of operations in its General Fund and Water and Sewer Fund, and to build the Airport Fund to that same goal over time.

Bovos compared the policy to a personal savings plan, explaining that excess balances could be used for one-time capital projects, debt reduction, or other non-recurring expenses.

Other Actions

• Council denied Oncor Electric Delivery Company’s proposed rate increase of 12.3% for residential customers and 51% for street lighting, joining more than 170 member cities of the Steering Committee of Cities Served by Oncor in opposing the request.
• Council held two public hearings to approve a replat of The Dwellings on 25th and a short form plat for Auto World Chevrolet, dividing the property into separate new and used car lots.
• Council Member Watson requested future discussion on the Parker County jail annex proposal and related zoning or permit implications.

The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were addressed.

A copy of the full agenda and supporting materials is available through CivicClerk.