Reporting By Gary Norman | Mineral Wells Area News
The Mineral Wells City Council met in regular session on April 7, 2026, approving a range of items including service contracts, vehicle purchases, ordinance updates, and budget amendments. Council also advanced grant applications, revised the City’s master fee schedule, and approved updates impacting downtown public spaces and water system management.
The meeting was gaveled to order by Makayla Young, a seventh-grade student at Mineral Wells Junior High School participating in the Council Kids Program. In a statement from school administration, Young was described as a dedicated and hardworking student who demonstrates strong leadership, creativity, and a positive attitude.
Mineral Wells Police Chief Tim Denison presented Officer Luis Hernandez with a Life Saving Award for his response to an opioid overdose call. Denison said, “His professional demeanor and rapid response under pressure were critical in preventing further harm and saving an individual’s life, which exemplifies this Department’s highest standards of service and dedication.”
Consent Agenda Highlights
Council approved a contract with Grass Masters Outdoor Solutions, Inc. for mowing and lawn care services at City properties, not to exceed $115,000 for Fiscal Year 2026. Four bids were received, with Grass Masters being the only compliant submission.
Council also approved the purchase of nine replacement vehicles for the Public Works Department at a total cost of $460,919. The vehicles will replace units that have exceeded their useful life.
Council approved a $35,000 expenditure to realign a section of SW 28th Street to bring the roadway into compliance with property boundaries and accommodate nearby development. Work had already begun due to the need to maintain access, and the action ratifies the expenditure.
A new Records Management Policy was also approved, establishing guidelines for record retention, defining public records, and allowing the transition from paper to electronic recordkeeping in compliance with state law.
Key Agenda Items
Council approved submission of a grant application to the Texas Department of Agriculture for the Downtown Revitalization Program. If selected to advance, the City will identify and prioritize specific projects for funding.
Council approved amendments to the Code of Ordinances requiring water meters for new fire suppression systems. The changes allow the City to monitor and bill water usage. Fire Chief Ryan Dunn cited an incident where a leaking fire line significantly reduced system pressure before being discovered.
Council also approved amendments regulating physical occupancy of downtown sidewalks, prohibiting individuals from sitting or placing large belongings in public walkways. The ordinance includes exemptions for medical needs, disabilities, permitted vendors, and individuals waiting in line.
Budget & Fee Updates
Council approved a $158,203 decrease to the Palo Pinto County Municipal Water District No. 1 budget, reflecting leadership changes following the departure of its former general manager, who now serves as the City’s Executive Director of Public Works.
Council also approved an $8.1 million reduction to the City’s Water and Sewer Fund budget, primarily due to the removal of a reverse osmosis water treatment plant project that had already been accounted for in a previous fiscal year.
An item to establish wholesale water rates for certain customers was tabled for further evaluation.
Council adopted an updated Master Fee Schedule, including:
- Accepted credit card types for City services
- A $10 per hour rental fee for the library community room
- Aviation fuel discounts for bulk purchases
- New rental fees for pickleball facilities
Council also approved updates to the hotel/motel occupancy tax ordinance, including expanding the definition of “hotel” to include short-term rentals, strengthening reporting requirements, and enhancing enforcement provisions.