Mineral Wells Area News

By Gary Norman | Mineral Wells Area News

PALO PINTO — Texas Department of Public Safety officials are seeking county funding for an administrative assistant to help keep troopers on the road as traffic enforcement and public safety demands continue to grow.

During the Nov. 9 meeting of the Palo Pinto County Commissioners Court, DPS Sgt. Travis Tucker told commissioners that troopers serving the county have issued approximately 10,700 citations and warnings this year and made 154 arrests, exceeding the combined arrest totals for 2024 and 2025.

Troopers also conducted approximately 1,500 commercial vehicle inspections and responded to 248 of the county’s 556 reportable crashes.

“Every hour that we spend doing administrative work is an hour that we’re not able to be on the roadway,” Tucker told commissioners.

Tucker said an administrative assistant could handle case preparation, crash report requests, public information requests and scheduling, allowing troopers to spend more time on patrol.

He noted that nearly every other county in DPS District 1-C already provides administrative support for its highway patrol office.

Tucker also pointed to the financial impact of DPS enforcement activity. According to his presentation, DPS cases generated approximately $477,000 in county revenue during fiscal year 2026, with about 60% of collections remaining in Palo Pinto County.

He estimated the proposed position would cost between 6.5% and 13% of that revenue.

Commissioners took no action to fund the position, citing budget limitations. However, County Judge Shane Long expressed interest in exploring options before the next budget cycle.

“We definitely need the position,” Long said. “But it’s not in this year’s budget, and we’d need to amend the budget to fund it. I’m willing to look into what we might be able to do.”

County health officer resigns

Commissioners accepted the resignation of Dr. Ed Evans as county health officer, effective Dec. 1.

Evans cited new state licensing requirements that he does not intend to pursue, leaving him unable to continue serving in the position.

Long thanked Evans for his service, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and said he has identified a possible replacement through discussions with local health care officials.

“Everybody I’ve talked to is pointing to the same doctor,” Long said. “I’d like to reach out and have a conversation before we make an appointment.”

No appointment was made. If the position remains vacant, the regional state health official would assume those responsibilities.

Holiday decorations approved

Commissioners approved approximately $2,650 for Christmas lights and decorations at the Palo Pinto County Courthouse in Palo Pinto, the county annex in Mineral Wells and surrounding county buildings.

Installation labor will cost $150 per hour, with funding coming from hotel occupancy tax revenues.

The lights have already been installed and are expected to be illuminated around Thanksgiving. Last year’s holiday decorations and maintenance cost the county just under $10,000.

Subdivision developments receive approval

The court approved several subdivision and replat applications, including a 26.951-acre mixed-use development at Rock Creek Estates and a two-lot residential subdivision at Five Pines.

The Five Pines approval prompted discussion about possible deed restrictions prohibiting mobile homes.

Resident Elle Ortiz questioned whether the development would comply with existing restrictions. County Attorney Maegan Kostiha explained that deed restrictions are private civil matters outside the Commissioners Court’s enforcement authority and generally must be enforced by property owners through the courts.

Commissioners also approved a replat combining two lots into a 2.036-acre parcel at Hills Above Possum Kingdom Lake and a final plat for a half-acre residential tract at AHL Estates.

Other county business

Commissioners approved funding agreements providing $20,000 for PK Mobile Mills, also known as Strong as Angels, and $5,000 for Care Community Animal Rescue.

Additional approvals included Starlink satellite internet equipment and service for a constable vehicle, an employee payroll deduction agreement for AirMedCare Fly-U-Home coverage, a septic system crossing permit on Brandy Road and roof repairs for the Community Supervision and Corrections Department building.

The court also authorized Judge Long and County Attorney Maegan Kostiha to negotiate an agreement with Texas Survey for engineering services related to subdivision and development reviews.

Commissioners also discussed appointments to the boards of Emergency Services Districts No. 1 and No. 2. The county is accepting résumés from interested residents through noon Dec. 11, with interviews tentatively scheduled for Dec. 14.