Reporting By Gary Norman | Mineral Wells Area News
The Mineral Wells City Council met in a regularly scheduled session on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Regan Johnson.
Agenda highlights included the purchase of new computer hardware and software, audio-visual upgrades for City Council Chambers, land acquisition and a related change order for the Parks Plaza Project, installation of a fire alarm system for an airport hangar and a related loan agreement, an increase in residential trash collection rates, amendments to an agreement between Mineral Wells ISD and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2, the ordering of a May 2, 2026 election, zoning ordinance changes related to smoke shops and cigar lounges, and approval of approximately $70 million in revenue bonds along with a $10 million grant for water system improvements.
Consent Agenda Items
The following items were approved simultaneously under the Consent Agenda:
- Computer Hardware and Software Purchase: Approved the purchase of computer hardware, software, and a server from CDW-G in the amount of $160,000. The new server will replace an existing unit that has reached the end of its lifecycle.
- Audio-Visual Upgrades: Approved audio-visual upgrades for City Council Chambers from Infinity Sound, Ltd. in an amount not to exceed $68,000. The upgrades will enhance the City’s ability to livestream and record City Council and other public meetings.
- Airport Hangar Fire Alarm System: Approved the purchase of a fire alarm system for Hangar 5100 from Firetrol Protection Systems in an amount not to exceed $452,398. As part of the lease agreement with the tenant, the City committed to completing specific upgrades to the hangar totaling approximately $600,000.
Items Considered Individually
- Solid Waste Collection Contract: Council received a presentation from Frontier Waste Solutions regarding 2025 solid waste collection activities and approved a resolution amending the waste collection contract. In accordance with the contract’s Consumer Price Index adjustment provisions, rates were increased by 2.89 percent, effective March 1, 2026.
- Airport Hangar Loan Agreement: Approved a $600,000 loan agreement with Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2 to fund improvements to Hangar 5100 at Mineral Wells Regional Airport. Improvements include fire suppression system upgrades, asbestos abatement, and safety enhancements required under the lease agreement.
- Parks Plaza Land Purchase and Change Order: Approved the purchase of a 0.184-acre tract of land for $58,355 as part of the Parks Plaza Project. The site is planned for pickleball courts and restrooms. Council also approved Change Order No. 2 in the same amount to the construction management contract with Branded CS, removing construction of a parking lot from the original project scope to fund the land purchase.
- MWISD and TIRZ No. 2 Agreement: Approved an amended and restated agreement between Mineral Wells ISD and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2. The agreement establishes a fixed annual contribution of $510,227 from the District. Any increment collected above that amount will be returned to the District for use in operations and educational facilities both within and outside the Zone.
- May 2026 Election: Approved the purchase of election administration services from the Palo Pinto County Elections Administrator. The election will be held May 2, 2026, to elect a Mayor, a Ward 1 City Council Member, and a Ward 3 City Council Member.
- Zoning Ordinance Amendment: Held a public hearing and approved amendments to Appendix B of the Mineral Wells Code of Ordinances related to smoke shops and cigar lounges. The changes effectively prohibit new smoke shops from operating within city limits. Existing establishments may continue operating but cannot relocate or expand. Cigar-related establishments remain permitted under the ordinance. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.
- Water System Revenue Bonds:
- Approved issuance of Series 2026A Revenue Bonds totaling $21 million to fund improvements to the City’s water treatment plant, raw water intake structure, pump station, and transmission line. The bonds carry a 4.29 percent interest rate over a 30-year term.
- Approved issuance of Series 2026B Revenue Bonds totaling $48.78 million for the same water system improvements. These bonds carry a 3.346 percent interest rate over a 30-year term and will be sold to the Texas Water Development Board. While ad valorem taxes and a subordinate lien on water and sewer revenues are pledged, the City intends to repay the bonds using the Water and Sewer Fund.
- Principal Forgiveness Agreement: Approved a Principal Forgiveness Agreement with the Texas Water Development Board providing $10 million in principal forgiveness to fund water system improvements. The forgiven amount functions as a grant and does not require repayment.
City Council did not convene in executive session. With no requests for future agenda items, the meeting was adjourned.
To view the agenda, supporting documents, or an audio-visual recording of the meeting, visit the City of Mineral Wells’ CivicClerk meeting page.