Mineral Wells · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Mineral Wells public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Water Crisis Emergency Declaration
Strawn just declared a Stage 4 water emergency after a major supply line leak, so all outdoor watering is banned and residents are being told to conserve whatever is left in storage. If you’re in or around Strawn, treat this as immediate—lawns, landscaping, and any outdoor water use are off the table until repairs are made.
Well Aware mass notification system
The city launched its emergency alert system with about 100 sign-ups in the first weeks. Residents can register by phone, text, or email for weather, water, road, and public safety alerts — a 90-day signup push is underway.
Mobile command unit for emergency management
A donated hospital bus will become the city's mobile command unit — a gap identified after this year's tornado. Initial outfitting is around $5,000, with county cost-sharing to be explored.
Public Safety Complex site secured
The city will trade the old Purdue Building plus $500,000 for the Sims property to permanently site the new public safety complex.
Associate City Judge ordinance
The city can now appoint a second municipal judge to cover Judge Walden's conflicts of interest, handle arraignments when she's away, and help chip away at the court's case backlog.
International Fire Code update to 2024 edition
The city replaced building codes dating to 2012 with 2024 editions and a 2026 electrical code, effective January 1, 2027. Builders and inspectors get a transition window, and future local amendments will come through a new building code appeals board.
Flock license plate reader cameras
A resident urged the city to end its Flock camera contract, citing privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns. The police chief said the city has just four cameras at ~$13,000 a year and defended their crime-solving value; councilmembers indicated no change for now but welcomed more information.
Building Code Board of Appeals
A new board gives builders and residents a formal way to appeal building official decisions, instead of leaving rulings to one person. Council members asked whether members can come from outside city limits — staff will follow up.
Public Safety Payroll and Time Administration Policy
New rules for how police and fire hours, overtime and holiday pay are handled — including moving firefighters from a 12-day to a 14-day pay cycle to match other city employees. Dispatchers are excluded because federal law treats them differently.
Dangerous buildings ordinance update
Nine dangerous buildings came in at a $260,000 bid, but only $100,000 is budgeted. Staff proposes buying demolition equipment (~$510,000) and using street crews in winter months to bring demolitions in-house for unlimited teardowns.
National Night Out community-police partnership
United Way gave the police department a sponsorship check for National Night Out, an event aimed at building trust between residents and officers.
9-1-1 addressing and GIS interlocal agreement
The city and Palo Pinto County formalized an agreement to share 9-1-1 addressing and GIS mapping services, supporting accurate emergency response.
Dangerous building abatement process overhaul
The city changed who decides when a derelict building gets torn down: instead of an appointed commission, a three-person professional team reviews cases and the elected City Council makes the final call at a public hearing. Supporters say it's more transparent and accountable.