Mineral Wells · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Mineral Wells public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
NW 2nd Avenue abandonment and Famous Water development
The city may close a stretch of NW 2nd Avenue between NW 7th and NW 9th Streets and convey the property, paired with a development agreement with Famous Water Holdings, LLC. It's a notable step in downtown redevelopment around the Famous Water brand.
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.
Hilltop Water Treatment Plant design work
The council approved $2.75 million for HDR Engineering to produce basis-of-design services and 30% design documents for the Hilltop Water Treatment Plant — a major water infrastructure investment.
Historic Preservation Program
The Council added $33,500 to the Stantec contract to develop a proposed local downtown historic district designation and design guidelines.
Crystal Creek flood mitigation projects
The completed Master Drainage Plan identifies five flood-reduction projects, two with strong cost-benefit ratios. A channel improvement project (A1) estimated at $18 million could be advanced for federal grant funding as early as December.
Millsap wholesale water agreement
The city locked in its first true take-or-pay water contract, with payments stepping up 10% a year until the minimum matches actual usage — about eight and a half years out. It gives the city firmer revenue to plan water system investments around.
Palo Pinto County cost-sharing for animal shelter and library
The city is formally asking the county to pay more toward the shelter and library, which county residents use heavily but fund at $55,000 and $30,000 a year. Data shows county share of use is roughly 23% and 27%. Judge Long has been receptive to the conversation.
Tax Increase
Mineral Wells is looking at a tax increase, so residents and property owners could soon pay more in city taxes. If you own property or pay city bills there, it’s worth watching how the extra money gets used.