Watauga · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Watauga, TX public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Open Rewards shop-local program relaunch
Mayor Miner flagged complaints that the city's Open Rewards program is hard to use and wants the board to consider switching to a simpler cash-based rebate, possibly capped at $100 like other cities.
Retail recruitment progress and sales tax growth
The Retail Coach reported sales tax revenue averaging nearly $500,000 a month and a recruitment list of 144 businesses, with Amped Fitness signed for the former big vacancy at Watauga Pavilion and an entertainment venue negotiating for the other space.
Zoning Code Amendment Procedures (ORD.2026-017)
The city is updating its zoning amendment rules — notice requirements, protests, and processes — to match state law. The flashpoint is whether the council needs a supermajority vote to approve a zoning change the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denying; the commission recommended restoring that requirement, and the council tabled the ordinance until November 9 with a member absent.
Shelter adoption outcomes and population
The Fort Worth MEGA Adoption Event didn't produce direct adoptions, but NBC 5 coverage helped Holly, Ravioli, and Pongo find homes, and long-term resident King went to a rescue. The shelter currently holds about 12 animals.
U.S. Department of Labor settlement
The council met privately with the city attorney about correspondence from the U.S. Department of Labor and took no action afterward.
Wastewater upsizing design and traffic signal preemption
The city hired Burgess & Niple to design bigger wastewater lines on Storm Drive and put another $5,712 toward its traffic signal preemption project for emergency responders.
New artificial intelligence and personnel policies
The city added a first-of-its-kind AI use policy to its employee handbook and updated leave, compensation, and safety rules — one piece (travel reimbursement) was pulled after being included by mistake.
State legislative impacts on city budgets
The mayor wants a citizen engagement committee to explain how Austin's bills — from unfunded mandates to property tax overhaul — could force cuts to city services. Council members argued over whether citizens or elected officials should front the effort.
Failing Outdoor Warning Sirens
Two of the city's three storm sirens are dead after 20+ years and can't be repaired. Replacements should be up and running before next spring's storm season.
Zoning code text amendments (ORD.2026-017)
The city wants to update its zoning procedures to match current state law, including dropping a rule that gave the commission extra leverage when it recommends denial. Commissioners paused the vote because it's not clear how much of that leverage still exists legally.
Municipal Court Judge Death
Watauga’s municipal court judge has died after a medical emergency, leaving a key local judicial seat open. City Council will likely have to move quickly to appoint a replacement or arrange coverage so court operations don’t stall. For residents, that means watching how the city handles the transition and whether cases get delayed.
Police hiring standards on prior marijuana use
The police department wants to stop auto-rejecting applicants who legally used marijuana within two years, matching what the Fire Department did in 2024. About 10% of police applicants have this issue; unlawful use is still disqualifying and everyone still goes through background checks.
SAFER grant firefighters and future staffing costs
The budget funds three firefighters through a federal SAFER grant covering 75% the first two years, but the city's share climbs in year three and the city pays fully in year four. Council members flagged this as a future budget risk given flat revenues.
New council term and mayoral lottery aside, Watauga Fest and schools updates
The festival drew about 27,000 people over four days and finished $4,600 in the black — the first positive result in four years — thanks to a $10,000 title sponsor and strong carnival and beer sales.
FY2026-2027 Proposed Budget public hearing
The Council set August 10 at 6:30 p.m. for residents to weigh in on the proposed city budget before adoption.
Staffing and Reimbursement Agreement
The EDC will pay the city's general fund $355,920 to cover the staff time city employees spend on EDC work, plus shares of audit, codification, and mowing costs. It runs from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
Summer reading and library programming
Summer reading hit record numbers on the Beanstack app — over 4,500 participants and nearly 18,000 books read so far — and the library is testing adult outreach at the rec center, though scheduling conflicts with the rec center are a hurdle.
Library Material Selection Policy updates
The library's rules for what it buys and keeps got their first refresh since 2023, now covering AI-generated books, local and self-published author donations, and how patrons can challenge materials. Anything AI-generated that slips in through digital packages will be labeled in the public catalog.
Water and meter fee revisions (Section 12-42)
The city updated its utility fee schedule so meter connection charges track actual costs (cost plus 20%), added a $75 meter tampering fee, and set fees for testing meters residents believe are faulty.
Atmos Energy natural gas franchise agreement
The city renewed its 20-year deal letting Atmos Energy run gas pipelines under city rights-of-way, keeping the 5% franchise fee that flows into city revenue.
American Rescue Plan Act spending wrap-up
The city spent its roughly $6 million in federal pandemic relief on water and sewer fixes, stormwater drainage, restored staff positions, and police equipment. Big takeaways: the Summertime Lane water project wraps up by early July, and the Park Vista culvert came in $184,000 under budget.
Open Rewards Program redesign
The city's shop-local rewards app confuses residents trying to redeem their money back. The board wants to switch to direct cash payouts up to $150 but needs vendor answers first, so changes wait until July 21.
Crime Control and Prevention District FY 2026-2027 budget
The crime district board approved its proposed budget and the council accepted it for review; public hearings are still ahead before anything is final.
Food truck park design progress
Design of the city's food truck park has hit the 50 percent mark, with plans being reviewed by city staff and public works for construction standards.
Rise in park graffiti and vandalism
Vandalism incidents in city parks jumped this spring — 13 in April, up 10 from the year before — with graffiti and damaged bathroom partitions, though staff report it's been cleaned up.
Upcoming parks special events
The city has a full slate of free community events through December: movies in the park, concerts, a fishing derby and campout, a 5K, Halloween Bash, Hometown Christmas, and more — starting this weekend.
Possible 2027 bond election for animal shelter
Staff proposed skipping new debt in 2026, doing a cash defeasance (saving ~$111,000), then potentially asking voters in 2027 to fund a $10 million animal shelter, with library and police facility bonds in later years.
Flock license-plate camera privacy and data concerns
A board member raised concerns that Flock retains perpetual use of camera data, is exempt from open records requests because it holds the data, and that AI misreads could create liability for the city. The chief defended the system as a major policing tool and offered to provide contract details.
Shared services cost increase
Watauga's share of regional dispatch/jail/IT shared services is up about $93,000, driven by call volume. Council Member Welch asked for an explanation; the mayor cited the Memorial Day nursing facility evacuation as an example of the value.
Annual audit results
The fiscal 2025 audit shows the EDC's finances in good shape — $3.3 million in the operating fund, up $441,000, helped by strong interest earnings even though sales tax fell short of projections.
30% collection fee on delinquent utility and EMS accounts
When a utility or EMS bill goes to a third-party collection agency, the customer will now owe an extra 30% on top. The city already pays that fee to the agency; this shifts the cost to the delinquent customer. Payment plans arranged before collections avoid the fee.
Tarrant County HOME Program renewal for homeowner repairs
Watauga renewed its spot in Tarrant County's HOME grant program, which helps eligible homeowners pay for major repairs like plumbing, roofing, and wheelchair ramps. The city hasn't spent its allocated match, so staff are encouraging more qualifying residents to apply.
Animal Cruelty Rescue
Watauga police pulled 47 Rottweilers out of a suspected animal cruelty case. It’s a big rescue, so expect shelter and care costs—and a reminder that local cops handle more than traffic.
Police Chief Appointment
Watauga has a new police chief: Jim Lewis III. He’ll lead the department and help set public-safety priorities, so his appointment matters for how the city is policed.
Police Conduct Investigation
A Watauga woman says her sexual assault case only got police action after her Facebook post went viral, raising questions about how the department handles these reports. The case puts a spotlight on police responsiveness, accountability, and whether victims need social media pressure to be heard.
Tornado Damage
A small EF-0 tornado touched down in Keller and Watauga, so expect some cleanup and city crews handling storm damage. It’s not a major outbreak, but if you’re in the path, check your property and watch for debris.