[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6004422,"mediaKeyId","5834231-5297c280ed40be375f8a8b90717a35f3","parentId",5834231,"title","Council hears wide range of Fiscal Year 2025–26 supplemental requests; staff recommends using unused voter‑approval increment for streets","audioSeconds",2822,"startMs",1282000,"endMs",4104000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5834231-5297c280ed40be375f8a8b90717a35f3&start=1282&end=4104","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5834231-5297c280ed40be375f8a8b90717a35f3/thumbnail_1282000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6004422/Mineral-Wells/Palo-Pinto-County/Texas/Council-hears-wide-range-of-Fiscal-Year-202526-supplemental-requests-staff-recommends-using-unused-voterapproval-increment-for-streets","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6004422-5f4ff50f1c775eae302f24b5bc781bf6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163479&Signature=jyVBYTSaWOqd0WMGJHHEbCAtLfMqIiQXhOitTYkuSG-fsg7JGfisIJdy25awzoBQu-oyLpW3XLr6BLPBBzOCWfpMt-mFooxT0rEZtbc-i1R8BUvIzLaSa7~7ZOEVx7LfUY2zfLda7bLiHIQaPr1q6GP3vAiH5fPLDEUsK0RS2gfOKRKL6ScevJU3NmF83cNrPUMSf9xh8UPS76yhodO9jEz~NrST76Pr3j-79A6ac5eulS-dbPbRHUKB2mZTvKD-RvhjqMFSWmtGGZCsxY8sVpF~n3D-FLGDvyx3fUVINUoRbeuDIZXZxUw-9iCB20W6Ocy1S1mX2InRWfT7beF4qg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Mineral Wells, Texas","date","2025-08-06T00:00:00Z","article","The Mineral Wells City Council spent extended time reviewing supplemental requests that staff will include in the proposed Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget, including a set of capital purchases, facility repairs and personnel requests across public works, parks and recreation, library, water and wastewater divisions.

Front‑of‑mind for council members was how to pay for deferred street work. City staff recommended the no‑new‑revenue tax rate of 0.5717881 as the baseline and outlined an option to use the voter‑approval rate plus the city’s unused increment (roughly 4¢) for one year to direct an additional amount — staff estimated just under $500,000 — to street improvements. City Manager Will Weeks said that combination “represents the deferred maintenance” and would create nearly $1.5 million for streets next year when combined with the current $800,000 street budget and other proposed additions.

Key budget clarifications: Weeks said the city expects to receive roughly $800,000 in one‑time funds returned from employer insurance premium savings (vacant positions) that can be used for one‑time capital purchases. For some items staff said financing (multi‑year lease/purchase) will be evaluated versus paying from one‑time funds.

Major departmental requests (selected highlights presented to council)

Public works / streets
- Dump truck: $185,000 requested to replace aging equipment. The city will consider either paying with one‑time funds or financing over 5–7 years.
- Increase in street materials: staff requested roughly a 10% increase to a current materials budget of about $900,000 to support more asphalt work.
- Facility repairs at the street barn and other building maintenance requests.
- Staff discussed adding an assistant public works director for succession planning and capital/project oversight; the proposed hiring range is roughly $100,000–$110,000.

Water and wastewater
- Utility capital items including a plotter, utility inspection vehicle, loader and replacement of meters. Staff requested an additional $100,000 for meters (about 100 meters) on top of $400,000 already budgeted; staff said approximately 1,000 meters may require manual reads because of battery or LTE limitations.
- Storage tank work: staff estimated a preliminary placeholder of about $500,000 for tank rehabilitation pending further inspection.
- Hydrant program: staff proposed funding to replace about 35 hydrants annually (estimated $2,000–$4,000 per hydrant) and creation of a valve/hydrant crew (three positions) to do in‑house replacements rather than contract work.
- Hilltop plant and Willow Creek study requests, equipment replacement and a mini excavator for plant repairs.

Parks and recreation / cemetery / pool
- West City Park playground replacement (existing equipment from 1996, parts manufacturer no longer in business) and accessible surfacing.
- Storybook trail behind the library and playground enhancements tied to trust funds and parks funding.
- Pool upgrades including commercial‑grade pool furniture, lifeguard stands, perimeter security cameras, a weather‑detection system with text notifications and a possible future deck resurfacing.
- Cemetery stonework and pavilion repairs; staff noted some cemetery work may be eligible for use of the cemetery trust fund subject to verification.

Library
- Assistant library manager position requested to manage growth in programs, grants, collection development and supervision (subtotal cited at $63,009.60; presented as recurring cost).
- Replacement of seven public PCs with Windows 11 units (7 units at $2,003 each, three‑year warranty; total presented as $16,001.14).
- Renovation of restrooms: men’s restroom estimate $27,275; women’s restroom estimate $25,275; upgrades include touch‑free fixtures and improved privacy.

Budget framing and council direction
Council members discussed the trade‑offs of tax rate choices, the timing of debt versus pay‑as‑you‑go, and public expectations for visible improvements. Several council members said they favored using the voter‑approval rate plus the unused increment to direct a substantial, visible investment in streets next year; one council member summarized the political and practical appeal as “something tangible that you can actually go out, see, play, and enjoy.” Staff cautioned that using the unused increment consumes the one‑year capacity to increase the rate and the increments would need to rebuild over subsequent years.

Next steps: Staff will prepare the formal proposed budget for the next council meeting with the supplemental requests packaged for council consideration and will provide more detailed cost estimates and financing options for large capital items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Mineral Wells, Texas City Council Meeting 08/05/2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff presented a package of supplemental budget requests for FY2025–26 that included vehicles, facility repairs, water system capital and staffing; council signaled support for using a one‑time tax increment to fund streets.","taxTitle","Mineral Wells, Palo Pinto County, Texas","taxId",64442,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6004426,"Mineral Wells council denies Texas Gas Service proposed rate increase and authorizes participation in coalition",168,1113000,1281000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5834231-5297c280ed40be375f8a8b90717a35f3&start=1113&end=1281","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5834231-5297c280ed40be375f8a8b90717a35f3/thumbnail_1113000.jpg","/articles/6004426/Mineral-Wells/Palo-Pinto-County/Texas/Mineral-Wells-council-denies-Texas-Gas-Service-proposed-rate-increase-and-authorizes-participation-in-coalition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6004426-5d9550a2750aab3b9651ea001ce42f66/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163479&Signature=nbG6wWcqLFudRPjvTWEE7Kygl-t7xwI~tUuv9VZ6DnkHdWnvlX27Sx3MSjtUcgYp3dl8-Xvi~WRyYh5rgvdrSmxisyHnNq~AftWfxHmdQ7ZO5n4XzVLvbK6f~K1B95cCVHoqehblj7zPtq7EbnN7gzvMwTqzGxW1l~OzVqrSxaEHTlVS~wzLyepB26zXzXOIYNNjQgEl-3YMdBgqOdiMQoTPibI~OG4EwEq51d4xZijljlOoARferwbE-09r4ZyqJzhMhQFPJXNj2CB2rrsFsPjY~-eTvj6TfRY-4FPVAimMc2NgjcSx19qgTVvN4fdwjovkafLK2cnKbR2cXiwYWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mineral Wells City Council unanimously adopted a resolution denying the rate increase proposed by Texas Gas Service and authorized participation in a coalition of cities to coordinate a response to the gas company’s filing.

City legal counsel and staff explained the resolution mirrors a prior action the council took on a separate electric case and would allow the city to join a coalition of municipalities as the matter moves through an administrative rate process. The staff presentation said the filing in question was a statement of intent to change rates filed on or about June 30, 2025, by Texas Gas Service.

The resolution also directs that Texas Gas Service reimburse the city for its reasonable rate‑case expenses, a standard request in municipal challenges to utility filings, and names Herrera Law and Associates as the outside law firm assisting the city on the matter.

Why it matters: Denial by local governments does not by itself set rates but signals municipal opposition and, when combined with coalition work and outside counsel, can lead to a coordinated legal challenge in regulatory proceedings. City staff said there is no immediate cost to the city; under the process the utility typically pays intervenor legal expenses if the regulatory order requires it.

Action: The council voted 7–0 to adopt the resolution directing staff to proceed with the coalition arrangement and related legal steps.","Council adopted a resolution denying the rate increase proposed by Texas Gas Service and authorized the city to join a coalition that would seek rate-case representation; the resolution directs Texas Gas Service to reimburse reasonable rate-case expenses.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6004430,"Council adopts procurement card policy, sets default transaction limits",178,410000,588000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5834231-5297c280ed40be375f8a8b90717a35f3&start=410&end=588","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5834231-5297c280ed40be375f8a8b90717a35f3/thumbnail_410000.jpg","/articles/6004430/Mineral-Wells/Palo-Pinto-County/Texas/Council-adopts-procurement-card-policy-sets-default-transaction-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6004430-76c04a71c305ce6304691a2a01a8f691/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163479&Signature=nu7gQAECYWIIdcM-fgnBygJJ8Nvu~g~MMdskklXO6KlX4kv3ks7S0JqglIJOPB~oqvHeCrq2owW48sAr~PV1gntH5BYKj2qWbBR-5n9zLJjP2VYPYCSiNf1T80hcXLM89ELu4tHfVebIcJQqOoqX2PWlUL98j~mfxKrwjhNMhuPQCHNmly76TqGsDxgAiS16a-UcOUjdchw8aQP~ltRhtU455xHgZekKNuxkF4NNr0jQtog113wd0nv8QekE0vPElmymaDdGsmXNgjHaO0Gmj~P~to6ZKEroNo7U9vApECwLb55fRwo4BS654EeS7S23BrchcoQAXAD~Ph0wdFdbfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mineral Wells City Council unanimously approved a procurement card policy that implements the city’s recently approved contract with JPMorgan Chase and sets internal controls and default limits for card use.

Finance staff told the council the policy defines roles and responsibilities for cardholders, department heads and finance, establishes key processes and applies merchant category code (MCC) restrictions to block unauthorized business types. Staff said the policy sets a default single‑transaction limit of $1,500 (with an alternative default monthly limit of $5,000 that can be adjusted by department head request) and includes a list of prohibited uses.

Why it matters: A procurement card program is intended to streamline certain low‑dollar transactions while preserving internal controls. The council heard that the city created an employee hub page with the policy, executive summary and forms, and that the rollout will begin with a limited pilot to test transaction importing before full deployment.

Emergency operations: The policy also includes a mechanism for procurement card use if the emergency operations center is activated, allowing operational purchases during emergencies within defined controls.

Council action: Following presentation, a council member moved to approve the procurement card policy and adopting resolution; the motion passed 7–0. Finance staff thanked department heads for feedback incorporated into the draft.","Mineral Wells council adopted a procurement card policy establishing roles, controls and default transaction limits and authorizing JPMorgan Chase as the card provider.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6004434,"Mineral Wells OKs 3-year interlocal with ISD for technology services, funds five SROs",478,598000,1076000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5834231-5297c280ed40be375f8a8b90717a35f3&start=598&end=1076","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5834231-5297c280ed40be375f8a8b90717a35f3/thumbnail_598000.jpg","/articles/6004434/Mineral-Wells/Palo-Pinto-County/Texas/Mineral-Wells-OKs-3-year-interlocal-with-ISD-for-technology-services-funds-five-SROs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6004434-475321c9cd3008efbc5a02560018f727/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163479&Signature=fNQKLt4QnKhiLQztJjjqSuj6T7ql3rWlusac1Y8v4x-2MmnuvPh5bsisiq08tXc49N7K1vcN10DUkGJAFrOKVBVt~ienX1l0-2~zXPOjVXo71mbjRS4kz4byMQuXzmigr6PV4gR406JcU7U6p0THZ~pZIAtfwFPzENYHcxGjoiF~FtIykw55S3ucHocOf6NJedFFaT8XMWuXmHEJC5GvEZkODmSCK~wGojaitUO~36QW-tQ4LB1i-PGP1dPAacENM7IsY7bcnyaBI0lUfxerRplHEtHz5hS0s4HspF0cs0N-6nNgcruNRdh5gNgPLVNsz4j1nI6ATOZkhHN42O~qBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mineral Wells City Council voted unanimously to approve a three-year interlocal agreement with the Mineral Wells Independent School District that will move city technology services to the school district’s technology team and fund five school resource officers (SROs).

City Manager Will Weeks told the council the agreement would “transition us from our current provider for technology services” and that the district will provide hardware, software, network and cybersecurity support and AI/automation assistance while giving the city access to four staff (one city employee and three ISD staff) for on-site support. Weeks said the arrangement was approved by the ISD at its July 21 meeting and that the district’s technology staff “are anxious, and eager, for this opportunity.”

Why it matters: The agreement shifts operational responsibility for many technology functions from an outside vendor to the ISD at no net cost to the city for the initial three‑year term, while the city will fund public‑safety resources in schools.

Key terms and budget mechanics: The city will pay for five SROs — one assigned to each district campus (the high school, junior high, Travis Elementary, Houston Elementary and Lamar Elementary). Each SRO is budgeted for a base of 1,413 hours per year; an additional 335 hours are reserved to cover summer school. Hours beyond the base will be reimbursed to the city by the ISD. The city will also fund a full‑time technology support specialist to provide on‑site support to city facilities. Weeks said the city and district agreed to parity in compensation so the city would not “steal” ISD employees.

District staff in attendance included Justin Latsik, director of technology for Mineral Wells ISD, and Sagato Ray, the district’s network manager. Latsik introduced himself to the council and said he began with the district in 2019 and looked forward to working with city staff.

Process and next steps: Weeks said staff will begin transition meetings with the ISD’s Director of Technology Services, work with the incumbent vendor to terminate the current contract, and bring the SRO contract language back to the council (the SRO agreement was described as being under legal review and expected at a future council meeting). The council approved the interlocal motion 7–0.

What was not decided: Council approved the interlocal agreement itself; hiring of the full‑time city technology specialist and the process for SRO hours beyond the base remain operational steps for staff under the agreement.","City council approved a three-year interlocal agreement with Mineral Wells Independent School District under which the district will provide technology services at no cost to the city and the city will fund five school resource officers and a full‑time technology support specialist.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6004417,"Council approves resolution for ‘Project Wellness’ after executive session",4322,4128000,8450000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5834231-5297c280ed40be375f8a8b90717a35f3&start=4128&end=8450","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5834231-5297c280ed40be375f8a8b90717a35f3/thumbnail_4128000.jpg","/articles/6004417/Mineral-Wells/Palo-Pinto-County/Texas/Council-approves-resolution-for-Project-Wellness-after-executive-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6004417-19b7b413e34287a704432570c6cac954/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163479&Signature=ZKMZ3oojCNLtqIRWZ8AokoIzYFC89JwRn9DAJ~oHDEDIZKN9zqcPGgEwnuFM5OoxQ1uUehjpHKIVca8Xv3nVBTr~ow82tQswcgmuvXRX~OIX3XZ~QLc6GMUkaiRxwunNPEDYVqv8dpb2m2lUEi-Jc9LwwwAK6tmt98OsiJkqg9OzN2J9lVAgBUSm1U3BJahjlTKP7b3-qRYBUlUi4IxJQyuw26VyFNElHhxxph~eEdL6wJv9X1q6oAX2RDx2Ff9lnqstUe847HVCB6G221DpViDXcBDz0CMivuVWF6EgCT~uYMwlneUkqGlTPAb8vAvbOm9Q-f1ZGB~TgMDqOQBIvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","After meeting in executive session under Texas Government Code Chapter 551, the Mineral Wells City Council reconvened and approved a resolution related to a confidential economic development matter identified in the agenda as “Project Wellness.”

The council conducted the first reading and then the second reading of the same resolution during the regular session; each action carried on recorded voice vote 7–0. Staff read the caption into the record as required for the agenda.

What is known: The item was listed on the agenda under the executive‑session economic development and attorney‑consultation exemptions. No additional project details were disclosed in open session. Council took both readings and approved the resolution by unanimous vote.

Why it matters: The action represents a formal council decision on a matter that was discussed in closed session; under state open‑meetings rules the council provided the required public readings and votes in open session.","Following executive session, the council approved a resolution related to a confidential economic development matter listed as Project Wellness in two separate readings; both readings passed unanimously.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears wide range of Fiscal Year 2025–26 supplemental requests; staff recommends using unused voter‑approval increment for streets

Mineral Wells council denies Texas Gas Service proposed rate increase and authorizes participation in coalition

Council adopts procurement card policy, sets default transaction limits

Mineral Wells OKs 3-year interlocal with ISD for technology services, funds five SROs

Council approves resolution for ‘Project Wellness’ after executive session