The Mineral Wells City Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing its workforce by approving a nonexclusive vendor service agreement with Cornerstone Staffing, a regional staffing firm. The contract, which is capped at $500,000 per fiscal year, aims to bolster the city's talent acquisition efforts, particularly for positions that have been challenging to fill.

During the council meeting on September 2, 2025, city officials highlighted the need for improved recruitment strategies, especially as the city seeks to attract qualified candidates for various roles. Cornerstone Staffing, which operates 11 offices across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and one in Phoenix, Arizona, specializes in staffing for local government and has a proven track record, having successfully partnered with the City of Fort Worth.

Under the agreement, Cornerstone will assist the city in identifying and interviewing potential candidates for job vacancies. The process involves Cornerstone acting as an extension of the city's hiring team, conducting outreach to attract candidates who may not be actively seeking employment but could be interested in available positions. This approach is expected to streamline the hiring process and improve the city's ability to fill vacancies efficiently.

The compensation structure is designed to be transparent and equitable. The city will pay Cornerstone the fully loaded hourly cost of the position, which includes salary and benefits, while the hired candidate will receive only the hourly wage. After an initial 18-week temporary period, if the candidate performs satisfactorily, they will transition to a full-time role with city benefits.

Council members expressed confidence in the agreement, noting that it allows the city to leverage Cornerstone's expertise in outreach and recruitment, areas where the city has previously faced challenges. The council anticipates that this partnership will enhance the city's competitiveness in attracting talent, particularly in non-public safety roles.

The contract is set for annual review, allowing the city to assess its effectiveness and make adjustments as necessary. With this new agreement, Mineral Wells aims to strengthen its workforce and better serve the community.