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

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…