Mineral Wells Area News

Reporting By Amy Meyer | Mineral Wells Area News

PALO PINTO — Palo Pinto County Commissioners on Monday approved a countywide burn ban and shifted delinquent property tax sales to an online auction platform, while also discussing ways to make electioneering boundaries more visible at polling locations.

The court also approved infrastructure-related purchases, addressed ongoing projects and reviewed monthly departmental reports.

Burn ban approved as fire risk rises

Commissioners enacted a burn ban following a recommendation from Emergency Management Coordinator Chad Jordan, who said conditions are trending toward increased fire danger.

“We are in an elevated local risk, and we’re above normal in our fire potential,” Jordan said. “We have above normal temperatures with winds in our forecast … it’s significant fire potential.”

Jordan said dry conditions and wind could quickly accelerate fire spread.

“It’ll burn quick right now,” he said.

The burn ban passed unanimously.

County moves tax foreclosure sales online

Commissioners approved the use of GovEase, an online auction platform for delinquent property tax sales, replacing traditional courthouse-steps auctions.

In the past, tax foreclosure sales were conducted in person, typically drawing only a handful of bidders — often three to four people.

Under the new system, bidders will register online and participate remotely, paying a fee only if they win a bid.

County Tax Assessor Margaret Griffith told commissioners that, based on research from other entities, the online platform is expected to increase participation and improve the likelihood that properties are sold.

Editorial Update: This change does not impact bank foreclosure procedures which will continue to be held in person at the courthouse every first Tuesday of the month.

Please note that BANK/TRUSTEE foreclosures do NOT apply to this. This is for TAX foreclosures only. The bank/trustee foreclosures are posted each month on the County website for the next after the deadline to file has been met. They are still in person (held by the Trustee/Sub Trustees} on the Courthouse steps the first Tuesday of each month.

Officials aim to make election boundaries more visible

Election Administrator Laura Watkins reported turnout for the March 3 primary included 2,907 early voters, 2,505 Election Day voters and 262 ballots by mail.

“We had a good primary election,” Watkins said.

Watkins told commissioners that confusion remains around electioneering limits at the county annex, particularly near curbside voting areas, and said clearer visual markers could help.

“It is hard,” Watkins said. “People are just going to keep pushing it there… I just feel like if we could put a line down, maybe they’ll be more aware.”

She proposed more visible signage at curbside voting spaces and clearly marked visual boundaries, such as painted lines, to indicate where electioneering is prohibited.

County Judge Shane Long said the goal is to make existing legal boundaries easier to identify and enforce.

Wastewater equipment approved; additional cameras tabled

The court approved camera and network equipment for the county wastewater treatment plant, including internal network components and a camera to monitor the site.

A separate proposal for additional exterior cameras at other county facilities, including the annex, was tabled for further review.

Generator payment partially approved pending test

Commissioners approved a partial payment for a courthouse generator project but withheld final payment until the system can be tested during a full power disconnect.

“We’re just not able to fully test … to make sure that it works properly,” Long said.

The court approved about $64,500, with the remaining balance contingent on successful testing.

Reports show rising emergency activity

Jordan reported increased fire activity in February, including 31 fires and a continued upward trend.

“So we have a 38% increase,” he said. “I think we all know we’re getting busier out here.”

Sheriff J.R. Patterson reported 1,160 calls for service, 72 arrests and 93 inmates booked during the month.

“This month’s already showing signs of summer,” Patterson said.

Commissioners also addressed several additional agenda items:

• Approved up to $20,000 in contingency funding for equipment for the Precinct 5 constable
• Approved applications for overweight and over-axle permits for Precincts 1, 2 and 3
• Approved the purchase of a printer and scanner for the County Clerk’s office to replace equipment damaged in a flood
• Approved a new shredding service agreement for county offices to securely dispose of documents
• Tabled discussion on website upgrades tied to new federal requirements mandating county websites be ADA compliant in 2027

Historical Commission recognized; proclamation approved

The Palo Pinto County Historical Commission reported 1,581 volunteer hours in 2025 preserving local history.

“We met six times in 2025 with a total volunteer hours of 1,581 hours preserving and promoting the history of Palo Pinto County,” said Wayne Cruz.

Commissioners also approved a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month.

“Children are our most valuable resource and shape the future of Texas,” Long said.

Courthouse repair process moves forward

Commissioners also approved the next step in the courthouse flood repair process, setting a timeline to solicit proposals for a general contractor.

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