Mineral Wells Area News

Reporting By Gary Norman | Mineral Wells Area News

The Mineral Wells City Council approved mid-year budget amendments, authorized a grant assistance services contract, declared surplus City-owned property for future sale, and approved a new volunteer policy during its May 5 meeting.

The meeting was called to order by Callie Roach, a junior at Mineral Wells High School, as part of the City’s Council Kids program. Mayor Regan Johnson highlighted Callie’s involvement in student government, FFA, the Interact Club, Tommy’s Angel Tree, the Rotary Club, Leos, and other volunteer organizations. Johnson described her as “an amazing young lady and a leader in the classroom and outside of the classroom.” Callie is the daughter of Jacy and Ryan Roach.

Mayor Johnson also recognized City employees and emergency personnel for their response to the recent tornado that impacted the eastern portion of the city. She praised staff members across departments for stepping into unfamiliar roles as needed during recovery operations.

“Not one time did anybody say, ‘That’s not my job’; they said, ‘What’s my new job today?’” Johnson said.

Johnson specifically recognized the Public Works Department for its cleanup and recovery efforts, presenting employees with a token of appreciation during the meeting.

Mayor Johnson, Ward 1 Council Member Jonathon Rusher, and Ward 3 Council Member Beth Watson were also sworn into office after running unopposed in the recent city election.

Consent Agenda

Audit Services Agreement

City Council approved an engagement letter with Patillo, Brown, and Hill, LLC to perform the City’s Fiscal Year 2026 financial audit in an amount not to exceed $66,500.

The accounting firm was originally selected through a Request for Proposals process in 2023, and the agreement represents the fourth year of a five-year contract.

Water Meter Parts Purchase

Council approved an additional $30,000 expenditure for water meter parts through Ferguson Waterworks, increasing the total contract amount to $112,564.14.

According to supporting documents, the additional materials are needed to complete ongoing meter installation projects and maintain inventory levels for repairs and replacements.

Aviation Department Vehicle Purchases

Council approved the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Trax LS and a 2026 Chevrolet Suburban for the Aviation Department’s courtesy fleet.

The vehicles replace aging units used to transport visitors arriving through the Mineral Wells Regional Airport. Supporting documents stated the fleet assists with economic development, business recruitment, and visitor experiences.

The vehicles were purchased through the BuyBoard Cooperative Purchasing Program from Caldwell County Chevrolet for a combined total of $86,900.

Items Considered Individually

Mayor Pro Tem Appointment

Council unanimously reappointed Ward 3 Council Member Beth Watson as Mayor Pro Tem.

Under the City Charter, the Mayor Pro Tem serves in the Mayor’s absence and assumes the role temporarily if a vacancy occurs.

Council Member Kyle Kelley voiced support for Watson’s reappointment.

“Beth has done a great job to me,” Kelley said. “She remains available all the time, and she’s very well versed, not only with her time on the council, but she’s also very well versed with municipal and state and federal government stuff. She’s probably the most knowledgeable person up here in my opinion, in those aspects.”

Surplus Property Declaration

Council declared approximately 50.3 acres of City-owned property surplus, allowing staff to evaluate the land for fair market value and begin the sale process through sealed bids.

The adjoining tracts are located east of FM 2256 north of Hess Road and south of Oaks Crossing Road. The property previously operated as a municipal solid waste landfill before its permit was revoked by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

The City later entered into a 15-year lease agreement in 2010 allowing livestock grazing on the property for $100 annually.

Finance Director and Assistant City Manager Aaron Bovos said the City determined the property no longer serves a municipal purpose.

“We have completed an analysis on the property, and we have determined that it is no longer necessary for municipal purposes,” Bovos said. “Given the minimal revenue generated under the existing lease and lack of strategic need for the property, maintaining ownership does not provide a meaningful benefit to the City at this time.”

Following valuation and advertisement, a final recommendation for sale will return to City Council for approval.

Grant Assistance Services Contract

Council approved a six-month trial agreement with A Plus Grants in the amount of $3,250 per month, or $39,000 annually, to assist the City with grant funding strategies and applications.

According to supporting documents, the firm specializes in helping local governments identify grant opportunities, prepare applications, and improve competitiveness for funding.

Council Member Kyle Kelley supported the proposal, noting the City may be missing grant opportunities without dedicated assistance.

“I think it’s a great opportunity because there’s no telling how many grants out there, both state and federally, that we miss out on,” Kelley said.

Bovos added that preliminary conversations with the company identified potential grant opportunities related to ongoing parks projects.

Services under the agreement include:

• Development of a citywide grant strategy
• Identification of funding opportunities
• Grant writing and submission assistance
• Coordination with City departments
• Advisory support and follow-up with funding agencies

Continuation of the agreement beyond six months will depend on demonstrated value to the City.

Mid-Year Budget Amendments

Council approved mid-year Fiscal Year 2026 budget amendments affecting the General Fund, Hotel Tax Fund, and Tax Increment Financing Zone No. 2 Fund.

Bovos stated the amendments were based on year-to-date revenues and expenditures and align the budget with current financial conditions. He noted the changes will not impact property tax rates or water rates.

General Fund

Adjustments included updated operational revenues and expenditures, removal of grant revenue that was not awarded, and funding for fire truck repairs.

• Original Revenue Budget: $18.9 million
• Amended Revenue Budget: $19.8 million
• Original Expense Budget: $20.45 million
• Amended Expense Budget: $20.83 million

Hotel Tax Fund

Adjustments included updated Chamber-related revenues, revised interest earnings, and professional services expenses related to tourism and HOT tax management.

• Original Revenue Budget: $405,770
• Amended Revenue Budget: $612,997

Tax Increment Financing Zone No. 2 Fund

Adjustments included funding related to land acquisition for the proposed Public Safety Complex and City Hall Annex, along with a loan to the Airport Fund.

• Original Expense Budget: $4.04 million
• Amended Expense Budget: $6.64 million

Volunteer Policy

Council approved a Volunteer Policy requiring volunteers to complete an application process, interview, and background check before participating in City activities.

Kelley said the policy formalizes volunteer participation while reducing liability risks.

“I think it’s a good formality,” Kelley said. “And I think it’s probably, from a risk and a liability standpoint, a good thing to have.”

Board and Committee Appointments

Following executive session discussions regarding board appointments and economic development negotiations, City Council approved the following appointments:

• Shoney Rollins — Animal Shelter Board
• Myra Johnson — Board of Adjustments
• Ginny Milliken — Housing Authority
• Raymond Davis — Housing Authority
• Rachel Lively — Library Board

Council also discussed two economic development projects during executive session. No action was taken upon returning to open session.

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