[{"_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",6318798,"mediaKeyId","2364616-e11d51e9a542473ec8161a52d4b2631f","parentId",2364616,"title","Votes at a glance: Wichita Falls council approves multiple routine contracts, steering-committee memberships and budget items","audioSeconds",649,"startMs",439000,"endMs",1088000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2364616-e11d51e9a542473ec8161a52d4b2631f&start=439&end=1088","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2364616-e11d51e9a542473ec8161a52d4b2631f/thumbnail_439000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6318798/Wichita-Falls/Wichita-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Wichita-Falls-council-approves-multiple-routine-contracts-steering-committee-memberships-and-budget-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6318798-a056b86e81c054fc6192237a0da95bf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1776307741&Signature=GsOnxs25DI4w-EjTdzYUFWsh9uXQXXMxDGu~i7VzE5Z5Y2fqwGBXI89suqAdSvG0CCsN3eC99U1-OAcOVdN~mHkKfpx-~D7M7pY6PG3hPZJZV2eoQntJ3zTfHS-OBWIfh2Xk7ozbW43Qlu82Xyk-~MSjt8iKfkzjmwH4l5sL9j2T2rJNYislhwWxhjhs5QrTKptl7m5DOcEPAfUavkZ30TbVm1JfF4lCQDb35YpM1hkIAg2l~O4xjgwEKKLc6-nTCRAPi-0NlXiikkxtjTDYhUmBHG-EYsOJMqZs4~RJmE3PoLlda4p4Ijgh78~PbxcvhNqeLx-WlozTJxYei~W3jQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Wichita Falls TX","date","2025-02-20T21:05:20Z","article","The Wichita Falls City Council on Feb. 18 voted on a series of consent and regular-agenda items that passed without lengthy debate. The main outcomes:

- Ambulance services contract extension: Council approved a one-year extension of the existing ambulance services contract with American Medical Response Ambulance Service, Inc. Staff said AMR has provided ambulance services in the city and surrounding areas, including Sheppard Air Force Base, and recommended extending the contract one year.

- Atmos City Steering Committee membership: The council authorized continued participation in the Atmos City Steering Committee and approved payment of the committee fee (approximately 5¢ per capita) to support regulatory and litigation activities relating to Atmos Energy rate cases.

- Encore City Steering Committee membership: The council authorized continued participation in the Encore City Steering Committee and approved payment of 11¢ per capita to fund regulatory and legal work related to Encore Electric Delivery Company rate cases.

- Fire and Police Employee Relations Act: The council voted to place Chapter 174 of the Texas Local Government Code (Fire and Police Employee Relations Act) into effect for the city on April 1, 2025. Staff noted that because voters adopted the act last November, placing it into effect triggers a 60-day negotiation process with the fire association once it becomes effective.

- 2025 crack-seal project: The council authorized awarding the 2025 crack-seal project to Holbrook Asphalt LLC in the amount of $229,141.26. Staff said Holbrook was a responsible low bidder and capable of performing the work; residents asked about timing and whether their district would be serviced.

- Type B sales tax funding for Hotter'N Hell: The council approved a resolution approving programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls Type B Sales Tax Corporation board and amended the budget to fund up to $4,000 to Hotter'N Hell for a new start-line arch to be used at the race and other community events.

Each of the above motions was called and approved during the Feb. 18 meeting. Some items had brief staff presentations or public questions; none were tabled or defeated.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council February 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its Feb. 18 meeting the Wichita Falls City Council approved a set of routine contracts, memberships and budget items, including an AMR ambulance contract extension, Atmos and Encore steering-committee payments, adoption of Chapter 174 of the Texas Local Government Code, the 2025 crack-seal contract award and Type B funding for Hotter'N Hell.","taxTitle","Wichita Falls, Wichita County, Texas","taxId",2821,"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},6318803,"Council approves potable water contract and MOU with Wichita Valley Water Supply Corporation for new delivery point",170,785000,955000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2364616-e11d51e9a542473ec8161a52d4b2631f&start=785&end=955","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2364616-e11d51e9a542473ec8161a52d4b2631f/thumbnail_785000.jpg","/articles/6318803/Wichita-Falls/Wichita-County/Texas/Council-approves-potable-water-contract-and-MOU-with-Wichita-Valley-Water-Supply-Corporation-for-new-delivery-point","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6318803-3a9caab3d96e0c67065565cbb11e0a64/orig.mp4?Expires=1776307741&Signature=l~VTGSQB0F5VxVx61XbEr0O0nUp0QM8CaTfwORSeMmYBjGwArAsYS2nQr6NSTvuL4NYXDosmfP07vEOGxZltAVmfIxXnfsxU9cOvDFgqr27pZjzVxxO7WCdqmBl-uM-2Cfent18fvSMn4fHpqzPGPtrcZ7WCoxawyiHP7FTT3jnPNz0sqn8XTaH8-F4e2kvxPmM9vHpAihE5apjJOmOBJILiwe7P2BjyKPlh4L1jGbyJgcJIKJEWIJxzuO3~oKOC6rtnjv5D~rK1a0ptfrJr9lvCu85U8GGV7g9QLUn0dZdObJU2pgsCuQDXabAsxFE8BdoCFeiEfh9-XzL67RWHag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wichita Falls City Council on Feb. 18 approved a one-year potable water purchase contract revision and a related memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Wichita Valley Water Supply Corporation to establish a new delivery point and to govern construction of a connecting water main.

What staff said: Tyson (public works staff) told the council Wichita Valley is a long-term wholesale customer and the changes create a new delivery location — a pump station located just outside the Wichita Falls city limits that will become a third metered delivery point. He emphasized the revision does not increase the total amount of water Wichita Valley is allocated; it only changes the physical access point: “We are not increasing the amount of water that Wichita Valley is getting in this contract. That is not a revision to this contract. It’s only a different location where they’re taking it.”

Main project elements: The MOU spells out responsibilities: Wichita Valley will design and construct an extension of the city distribution system to the new point to city standards; the city will accept the infrastructure after inspection. Staff also said they may upsize the line depending on bid pricing to better serve adjacent areas the city presently does not serve.

Capacity and cost considerations: Tyson described possible upsizing from an 8-inch pipe to 10- or 12-inch lines, noting each step-up roughly doubles capacity. On cost, he said the difference between sizes is uncertain until bids arrive but estimated a ballpark differential of “$4 or $5 a foot” per foot for larger pipe sizes.

Regulatory context: Staff noted the delivery point sits outside city limits and that Wichita Valley’s service area is governed by its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) registered with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Council members confirmed Wichita Valley must follow the city’s drought restrictions when using the water.

Council action: The council approved both the contract revision and the MOU. Staff said Wichita Valley will build the proposed water main to city standards and the city will accept it after inspection; bid results will determine whether the city pursues upsizing to increase capacity for future service expansion.

Provenance: Discussion and council action on the contract revision and MOU appear in sequence on the Feb. 18 agenda and were presented by Tyson and other public works staff.","The Wichita Falls City Council approved a revised potable water purchase contract and a memorandum of understanding with Wichita Valley Water Supply Corporation to add a new delivery point and authorize construction of a water main.",{"_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},6318808,"Wichita Falls council approves 30% increase at Lake Arrowhead, 10% at Lake Kickapoo after public objections",1098,1462000,2560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2364616-e11d51e9a542473ec8161a52d4b2631f&start=1462&end=2560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2364616-e11d51e9a542473ec8161a52d4b2631f/thumbnail_1462000.jpg","/articles/6318808/Wichita-Falls/Wichita-County/Texas/Wichita-Falls-council-approves-30-increase-at-Lake-Arrowhead-10-at-Lake-Kickapoo-after-public-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6318808-1e2921034a5f7ddf5725d925e3dd4ec0/orig.mp4?Expires=1776307741&Signature=Xa~g7A0Y38rXkmbYl--FQUK-0KCUu29T-PkqPpHP7bBI3RZ0Z7WlTewlFLNIfwjTwmGgRmJ-8d5MfvYY1l-q7X13e7LJyN3500OYeORH5LYaFZ~KiSEzIR2gEOvep7nyowSDz6szQeOtwWOIR3tFf9NajaIu7QKO00IWy8SvnvAPY4tyYdwwdB~c1HJzl~AqwYX7wpnlKhecEYfoDMi3WnTKoD0MUWaAYZRKKpp3RDhiev~fSpmtEKGdsnL~lj9K6SwHPwFJhzZlf81TegwWtBpRtIdsLLtdV-4a4-ekrB1u4VRHD-~-xY7acLtxfAY3L6wkYypHDtGNz1odpwRuGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wichita Falls City Council on Feb. 18 approved a resolution to raise annual lease rates for newer-generation leased lots by 30% at Lake Arrowhead and 10% at Lake Kickapoo, with changes set to take effect on the upcoming lease-roll dates (some leases change June 1 and others Sept. 1, staff said).

The increases follow an appraisal study staff cited as completed last year and a council finding that the city may exercise its contractual right to adjust lease rates. City staff recommended the increases and said the 30% raise at Lake Arrowhead would still leave those lots below market rate; the 10% increase would bring Kickapoo lots to market value. Pat (city staff) told the council the current newer-generation leases are roughly $1,000 per year and the change would raise Kickapoo rents to about $1,100–$1,200 and Arrowhead to about $1,300 annually.

Why it matters: The council is the property owner for the two lakes; lease revenue and any eventual sales of leased lots affect the city's general fund and the rights and obligations of lessees. Dozens of lake residents attended and many urged the council not to raise rates now, or to delay until the city completes additional appraisal work and communicates purchase options.

City staff and attorney: Pat, city staff, said the city used a sample of roughly 15 lots across both lakes to establish market values and that a third-party appraisal sample will be available in the coming weeks. City Attorney (name not specified) told the council he reviewed the lease template cited by commenters and said the city has the contractual right to increase rent and, if the council acts, it must wait five years before another increase. The attorney summarized: “The city of Wichita Falls via the lease has the right to increase rent. The only limitation is once we do it, we have to wait five years to do it again.”

Public comment and concerns: Lisa McLaughlin, a Lake Arrowhead lessee, said the item was being considered “four years ahead of schedule” under her lease and asked the council to remove the item from today's agenda. She warned that raising rates now would set “a bad faith precedent” and could prompt lessees to withhold payments. Stacy Darnell, another lake resident, said leaseholders pay lease fees that often exceed their property tax bills and stressed that lake residents receive minimal city services: “I pay more in my $1,000 annual lease fee than I do on my property taxes,” Darnell said, describing an incident where volunteer and county fire units responded to a house fire while Wichita Falls fire units did not.

Staff clarified that staff had presented the appraisal last year and the council postponed action; because the statutory/contractual window for an increase must be observed the city returned to the agenda now so any approved change could take effect on the next lease roll. Pat said approving any increase today would not change current appraisal work; the appraisals remain underway and sample appraisals will be available within about 30–60 days. Pat also said that lots not included in the sampling would still require an individual appraisal if the owner chose to pursue a purchase.

Council action and effect: A motion to approve the resolution raising the rates (30% Arrowhead / 10% Kickapoo) passed. City staff said the increases would not take effect until the affected leases’ next renewal dates (some June 1, some Sept. 1). Staff also noted the city must wait five years after any adopted increase to consider another raise under the lease terms cited by counsel.

Votes at a glance (related items from the Feb. 18 meeting): The council also approved, elsewhere on the agenda, a 1-year extension of the ambulance services contract with American Medical Response; continued memberships in the Atmos and Encore city steering committees (per-capita fees); a resolution placing Chapter 174 of the Texas Local Government Code (Fire and Police Employee Relations Act) into effect on 2025-04-01; a potable water purchase contract and related MOU with Wichita Valley Water Supply Corporation; an award for the 2025 crack seal project; and funding up to $4,000 from the Type B sales tax corporation for a Hotter'N Hell start line arch. (See article “Votes at a glance — Feb. 18 council actions” for item-by-item details.)

What’s next: Staff said appraisals and a list of sampled lot values will be available in the coming weeks, and that individual lessees who wish to pursue purchase will need independent appraisals for their specific lots. The council vote means the new rates will be applied at the next renewal for each lot; the city attorney reiterated that the council cannot adopt another increase for five years after the action.","The Wichita Falls City Council on Feb. 18 approved a resolution to raise annual lease rates for newer-generation leased lots by 30% at Lake Arrowhead and 10% at Lake Kickapoo, with changes timed to individual lease renewal dates.",{"_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},6318793,"Castaway Cove reports flat attendance, modest revenue gains and names new ride “Riptide Racer”",364,2900000,3264000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2364616-e11d51e9a542473ec8161a52d4b2631f&start=2900&end=3264","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2364616-e11d51e9a542473ec8161a52d4b2631f/thumbnail_2900000.jpg","/articles/6318793/Wichita-Falls/Wichita-County/Texas/Castaway-Cove-reports-flat-attendance-modest-revenue-gains-and-names-new-ride-Riptide-Racer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6318793-7a730292f6e2699cc601fabd92c6ac4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1776307741&Signature=aASnd17jARsVGLokHtOre3c1HkrBq2~j1NZFZQvnyetiAa9C7A77UB9g~~0ggggx1KomK0cocFmC9EekPHiJ1oQ9Wap19Cis0HkMq65tLv3JM6ORT5JxvQ9PZ4Z0SwUIwObAYSb9QEG4STEbUoHk5rp0wLLQaJIfSZUD1CGkhxm3SEafN2xhCW~zHrO0YYgv1oAtSoYN3EEWaVgm~IWquCx7AC-Lu48U4mTXqIe9jQWJoL84y713YYCUIHRLWfLnvfwv5Mf8tcgiMv6ktSdmdMQH0oNwPG~enY8E2WCCKN6ZRHzT5D3mlH-RMgcR83IOht7pjVOy~A~za64iaAP7Mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Managers for Castaway Cove presented their annual season report to the Wichita Falls City Council on Feb. 18, describing a mostly flat financial year and announcing a new attraction for 2025.

Season summary: Jimmy Holmes and Steve Vaughn of H2 Management said Castaway Cove marked its 20th anniversary in 2024 with special events and anniversary merchandise. Attendance declined about 1% compared with 2023 while per-capita spending at restaurants rose about 2%. Overall revenue increased roughly 1% and expenses increased nearly 2%, in part because the park faced unexpected maintenance issues tied to aging equipment. Management reported an operating profit of $218,430 for 2024.

Guest-experience investments: The park added a specialty pizza outlet (Paradise Slice), three upgraded cabanas, an expanded tropical bar menu and restaurant monitors to speed service. Management said cabana service will expand because it was well received in testing.

New attraction: Castaway Cove announced a four-lane mat-racer attraction that park officials will call Riptide Racer. Management said public voting favored that name and that the attraction includes an electronic timing system at the finish to support competitive rides and repeat visits. Staff said they plan a ribbon-cutting grand-opening event and expected the ride to help draw visitors from outside the immediate market.

Operational notes: Park managers said they are addressing maintenance on legacy attractions (for example, repairs to hoses and UV-damaged components on Pirates Plunge) and will test systems in March before the season opens.

What’s next: Management said Riptide Racer will be promoted on branded merchandise and that a grand-opening date will be set; park operations will include expanded cabana offerings and dynamic pricing strategies for ticketing in 2025.","Castaway Cove managers told the Wichita Falls City Council on Feb. 18 that the park’s 2024 season was financially flat but profitable and announced a new four-lane mat-racer water slide named Riptide Racer for 2025.",{"_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},6318788,"City outlines FY2026 budget calendar and priorities; staff highlights reserves, debt and water-infrastructure needs",228,3372000,3600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2364616-e11d51e9a542473ec8161a52d4b2631f&start=3372&end=3600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2364616-e11d51e9a542473ec8161a52d4b2631f/thumbnail_3372000.jpg","/articles/6318788/Wichita-Falls/Wichita-County/Texas/City-outlines-FY2026-budget-calendar-and-priorities-staff-highlights-reserves-debt-and-water-infrastructure-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6318788-38f140884eb4c5f99d2ebbccfa7a3f07/orig.mp4?Expires=1776307741&Signature=CUO~GQn-2pYFOXUtQ7yQiNvN2h5I7kme53EzXWS3p-ZdOMPRJ~uIjbISf0yISdqfp8L6Qekc3rw72Eyr8HyIU1nN3MqQ1pTXBv8kBE0GzY6decOdLflUgqap-Y~9HfLkxDOXUp89p3aIWLePCSHZpVOamXSJ-DQReo48H5RG3joqBGYQZyAUIOEE92b1PIclWYeKgKDcDLgayw-cUiOAU5MdXBzwOQu6vZ4WC~929n23-zPFnHs9Sl29N3lVMthZWmD~mHzz0WnpVoERYiv-JLUL1o2odi8~igJy2DkX7no1PSXtBGgD2mpzX~KZOAkqH8GTWqJ2E1w-zhqjW60VIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City finance staff on Feb. 18 presented the preliminary FY2026 budget calendar and an economic overview, asking the council for early input on priorities for capital and operating spending.

Calendar and process: Steven (finance staff) laid out an expanded calendar with several early opportunities for council input, including a May 6 draft capital-improvement plan (CIP) presentation and a mid-June pre-budget workshop ahead of the proposed-budget hearings that traditionally run in August and September. The fiscal year begins Oct. 1, and staff urged council participation on key dates to meet statutory requirements for adopting the budget.

Economic picture and constraints: Staff reviewed municipal cost and employee cost indexes, noting municipal inflation has fallen from post-pandemic highs while local employee compensation pressures remain elevated (the employee-cost index averaged just under 5% over the last three years). Preliminary certified property values were expected to be modestly higher (staff cited an early indication near 5%), and interest-rate outlooks for short-term investments were trending down slightly per staff projections. Staff described healthy reserves and relatively low tax-supported debt as giving the city flexibility to invest.

Budget priorities and pressure points: Staff highlighted water and sewer infrastructure needs and the upcoming water master plan (expected by year-end) as a driver of capital priorities. Council members urged staff to prioritize sidewalk-gap projects, neighborhood clean-up/anti-blight efforts, tree-trimming/preventive vegetation maintenance and a dedicated approach to utility-cut repairs. A councilor noted the city currently has a large number of open utility cuts (an operational figure cited as roughly 184–185) and asked staff to consider whether a permanent crew or a contracted approach would be more efficient.

Personnel and collective bargaining: Staff reminded the council that placement of Chapter 174 (Fire and Police Employee Relations Act) triggers a required process for fire bargaining and that personnel costs — including recent and planned police and fire pay changes — will be a major factor in FY2026.

Next steps: Staff will return with more granular revenue estimates once certified property values are issued in July, and requested council direction on capital emphases to shape the CIP draft for May 6. Staff said they will provide status updates on larger capital projects (municipal court, Memorial Auditorium work, library projects) in coming months.","City finance staff presented an expanded budget calendar and an economic outlook Feb. 18, advising the council that healthy reserves and low debt provide room for investment while personnel costs and water/sewer infrastructure needs will shape next year’s choices. Staff flagged a multi-stage capital improvement process with an May 6 draft C","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Wichita Falls council approves multiple routine contracts, steering-committee memberships and budget items

Council approves potable water contract and MOU with Wichita Valley Water Supply Corporation for new delivery point

Wichita Falls council approves 30% increase at Lake Arrowhead, 10% at Lake Kickapoo after public objections

Castaway Cove reports flat attendance, modest revenue gains and names new ride “Riptide Racer”

City outlines FY2026 budget calendar and priorities; staff highlights reserves, debt and water-infrastructure needs