Reporting By Gary Norman | Mineral Wells Area News
The Mineral Wells City Council approved budget amendments, took action on multiple real estate matters, and approved a contract for Hotel/Motel tax collections during its April 21 meeting.
Prior to the meeting, Ariya Kaspar, a sixth-grade student at Travis Elementary, gaveled the meeting to order as part of the City’s Council Kids program. Ariya, the daughter of Jacob and Tesia Kaspar, serves as Student Council President at her school. Mayor Regan Johnson read a statement from school administrators recognizing her leadership, describing her as a student who leads with “confidence, kindness, and a personality that truly lights up every room she enters.”
City Manager Jason Weeks also introduced Richard Glass as the City’s new Director of Development Services. Weeks said Glass brings a Master’s degree in public administration and certifications in building inspection, floodplain management, and emergency management. Glass will work toward bringing building inspections and plan reviews in-house and updating the City’s building codes from a 2012 standard to either a 2021 or 2024 standard.
Consent Agenda
• Firing Range Waiver of Liability: Council approved a liability waiver for use of the City’s firing range. Outside agencies, including the Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Weatherford College Police Academy, use the facility for training and qualification. The waiver is intended to reduce legal liability and prevent unauthorized use.
Items Considered Individually
• Real Estate Actions: Council revisited and approved a replat of a 6.971-acre parcel on behalf of Auto World Chevrolet to better define two resulting properties. Council also approved the abandonment of a portion of right-of-way at 501 East Hubbard Street. The City currently uses 40 feet of an 80-foot right-of-way, and the change will allow for parking, a handicap ramp, and improved pedestrian access.
Council also approved a preliminary plat for an approximately 30-acre development known as the Ranches of Mineral Wells. Plans include 206 individual lots with private streets for manufactured homes.
• Hotel/Motel Tax Collections Contract: Council approved a contract with Hinderliter de Llamas & Associates to administer and collect Hotel/Motel taxes. The move follows recent ordinance changes bringing short-term rentals under the City’s tax requirements and strengthening enforcement.
When asked about the company’s approach, Weeks said, “Yes, they’re very customer friendly, until they need to not be,” explaining the firm can assist with enforcement actions when necessary. He also noted the company will help identify short-term rental properties, a task currently beyond City staff capacity.
The annual cost of the contract is estimated at $26,600.
• Budget Amendments: Council approved mid-year amendments to the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Assistant City Manager and Finance Director Aaron Bovos said the amendments represent “phase two” of the City’s budget adjustments, following earlier updates to the Water and Sewer Fund.
According to supporting documents, the amendments are based on year-to-date financial performance, align the budget with current conditions, incorporate grant activity, and reorganize fund structures. Bovos emphasized the amendments are budget-neutral and do not increase the City’s overall financial obligations or impact property tax or water rates.
Additional amendments to the General Fund, Hotel/Motel Tax Fund, and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Fund are expected to be presented at the May 5 meeting.
Key components of the approved amendments include:
Drainage Fund
• Increased revenue to align with year-to-date collections
• Funding for required local match for TDEM and FEMA grants
• Adjustments to reflect current operations
Airport Fund
• Adjusted fuel sales revenue and related expenditures
• Transfer of RAMP grant activity to a centralized Grant Fund
• Updates based on current and projected activity
Economic Development Fund
• Increased sales tax revenue based on collections
• Removal of anticipated loan revenue not received
• Allocation for debt service related to the Shumard loan guarantee
Grant and Special Revenue Updates
• Creation of a new Grant Fund to centralize grant tracking
• Adjustments to the Police Forfeiture Fund based on asset seizure revenues
Capital and Debt-Related Funds
• Creation of a General Capital Project Fund to centralize capital expenditures
• Closure of existing capital funds and transfer of remaining balances
• Allocation for previously approved capital purchases, including a new server
• Establishment of 2026A and 2026B funds for Hilltop Water Treatment Plant financing
Fund Closures
• Amendments to facilitate closure of 2018 General Obligation Bond funds for waterworks and street projects by the end of FY 2026
Trust Funds
• Increased interest earnings in the Woodland Park Trust Fund
• Increased revenues and funding allocation for the Boyce Ditto Library Storybook Park project
No items were requested for a future City Council agenda, and the meeting was adjourned.