Mineral Wells Highlights

First, I would like to welcome the Palo Pinto Press to our city of heritage, hospitality, and hope! It is exciting to have more local media covering local issues and I know there are many of us that have tremendously missed a good “old-fashioned” print newspaper. School is back in session, the weather has cooled off a bit and it’s a great time to be a citizen of Mineral Wells. Go Rams and Go Warriors!
In city news I have a few of our significant highlights to share with you. The fiscal year 2022-2023 budget is set to be adopted Sept. 13. Public comment received in the budget planning session workshops emphasized keeping the tax rate as low as possible and repairing roads. Both of these issues were main priorities and implemented into the budget.
Fifty-one percent of the budget is necessary for public safety. Twenty-one percent of the budget will add personnel and materials to the street department for road replacement and repair. A full copy of the budget will be available on the city’s website. The “No New Revenue” tax rate was adopted. The official rate is 0.58413980/$100 valuation.
The city is facing the same challenges as many businesses in the private sector in regard to lack of staff. The proposed budget also addresses a pay gap where Mineral Wells has previously lagged behind 14-18% on many positions. Unapologetic plug for the city here – if you’d like to work in a growing environment with advancement opportunities please see a list of openings posted at City Hall or online. The first steps of the Comprehensive Plan are underway. Expect to see opportunities for public input. This will be among the first steps of the process. I would like to see all citizens involved in this process. It is OUR city – belonging to each and every one of us. What are the priorities? What do you want to see in the future? This is an opportunity to be heard!
The city council recently contracted with the firm SGR for the Police Chief hiring process. The $24,000 cost was paid for in salary savings. This process is expected to take several months. We expect to have many very qualified candidates for this position and look forward to naming a new leader for the department.
Chief Sullivan has stepped into the role of city manager, full speed ahead. I am confident we made the very best choice for Mineral Wells moving forward in hiring him and look forward to moving through the many projects in the works right now. The city is currently going through a Master Parks Plan, Comprehensive Plan and recently approved a Master Airport Plan. Each of these puts Mineral Wells one step closer to creating a realistic capital improvement plan, managing development appropriately, and potential state and federal funding for various projects.
The city council has upcoming meetings with the Water Development Board to receive an update on Turkey Peak and also with the County Commissioners to continue communicating and working together for the benefit of all taxpayers. Council meetings will soon be easier to watch and hear. We are waiting on a few pieces of equipment hung up in the supply chain, but will be streaming meetings professionally online.
In closing for this column, I would like to say Happy 90th Birthday to former councilman Wayne Johnson. Thank you for your years of service to this city!
-It is an honor to serve you, Regan