Beau Thomas, city manager for the City of Hewitt, said the city covers 6.9 square miles and has just over 16,000 residents as he and several city employees promoted Hewitt’s public services and ongoing recruitment efforts.

The message — delivered by Thomas and multiple city staff — emphasized the city’s schools, public safety, parks and street maintenance as selling points for residents and potential employees. Thomas said Hewitt is “the second largest municipality in McLennan County” and that the council “undertakes strategic planning annually and has consistently supported wage increases for employees.”

City staff described everyday services that, they said, underpin the community’s quality of life. An unnamed fleet mechanic, a fire captain with the Hewitt Fire Department, a utilities worker who oversees drinking water, and the chief of police each spoke about the services they provide. A public works employee noted, “Our streets and our parks are very well maintained.” A city employee added, “I really appreciate the pay, the work flexibility, and the benefits.”

Speakers pointed to local schools as an attractor: the city’s presenters praised Midway ISD for its academics and sports programs. Thomas also said the city has roughly 355 acres of commercially zoned land available for restaurants, retail and other development.

In closing remarks, the library director at the Hewitt Public Library invited listeners to consider moving to or working for the city, saying, “Come join us at the city of Hewitt, where life is just right.”

No formal actions, motions or votes were part of the presentation; the remarks were promotional and informational in nature. The presenters identified the city’s recent annual strategic planning, support for employee wage increases, available commercial land and employee benefits as reasons the city is seeking applicants and new businesses.