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10 June 2025 Council Meeting

Updated: Jun 21


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Agenda Items: City of Willow Park becoming Home Rule including appointing a Charter Committee; Citizen Financial Oversight Committee; Employee to Calculate the No-New Revenue Tax Rate and Voter Approval Tax Rate; Budget Calendar for FY 2025-2026; Hub Int. to for Health/Dental/Vision/Life and Short Term Disability Benefits for city employees. Ex Session: Halff & Asso. lawsuit; City Manager Mid Year Review

• Location and Time: El Chico City Hall, 120 El Chico, Suite A, Willow Park, Texas 76087, 6PM


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• Latest Update: 20 June 2025 with minutes; posted 06 June 2025

• Tags: #Finance #Mayor


• Note: Willow Park Civics is about Willow Park but is NOT associated with or managed by the City of Willow Park.



Public Comments

From approved minutes posted with the next Council Meeting agenda. 


Agenda

1. Approval of Regular City Council Meeting Minutes: May 13, 2025


2. Discussion / Action: Home Rule vs. General Law; Process of City of Willow Park becoming Home Rule including appointing a Charter Committee.

• Announcement from Mayor Palmer - Historic Call For Citizen Participation From Mayor Palmer, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 07 June 2025

Summary: You know how personal it feels when decisions affect you - especially without your voice being heard. That's why we need you at the City Council meeting this Tuesday at 6:00 PM. We're deciding between remaining a Class A City or becoming a Home Rule City — and your input matters more than ever. Details in linked blog.

• Background: City Attorney Pat Chesser and Mayor Palmer will lead a discussion on Home Rule Communities vs. General Law Cities and will take questions from the Council and citizens.

• Minutes:

City Attorney Pat Chesser and Mayor Teresa Palmer led a discussion on Home Rule vs. General Law Cities; and the process of City of Willow Park becoming Home Rule including appointing a Charter Committee.

Mayor Teresa Palmer stated that City Attorney Pat Chesser would give a presentation regarding the differences between General Law and Home Rule cities as well as address the process to become Home Rule in the event this is the direction we want to go. Willow Park is the 2nd largest City in Parker County. We reached the 5,000 population threshold eight (8) years ago. The difference is that a Home Rule City has the full power of Self-Government, and may take action in the interest of the citizens health, safety and welfare that is not contrary to the Texas or United States Constitution.

It is a document created by the citizens, and approved by the citizens. It is the voice of the Citizens.

City Attorney Pat Chesser gave a presentation describing the difference of Home Rule vs General Law type cities. Willow Park is currently Type A city.

A General Law city is Governed by Chapter 22 of the LGC; it is comprised of a Mayor and five (5) councilmembers; Mayor is the CEO and budget officer for the city; Mayor does not vote except to break a tie; a Quorum consists of 3 city council members, except a special meeting or a meeting concerning taxation (requires 2/3); Mayor does not count toward quorum and two year terms unless extended by election.

A Home Rule form of government and governmental structure is established by a City Charter which is voted on by the citizens; the Charter is essentially the Constitution of a city and can be changed to adapt to new laws or circumstances. The Charter will establish the form of government: Mayor - Council (weak v. strong) or Council-Manager; Power for the Mayor to vote, veto or force reconsideration, Number of Councilmembers, Provide the election of Council members at large, by single member districts or by place; Provide for the terms of office for Councilmembers at two, three or four years, Provide for the structure of the City’s administration.

Following the presentation City Attorney Pat Chesser answered questions from the audience.

Citizens that asked to speak were: They all spoke in reference to Willow Park going Home Rule.

1. Janice Miller - 708 Queens Way

2. Marcy Galle - 500 Squaw Creek

3. Gene Martin - 700 Kings Gate Rd.

Mayor Pro Tem Lea Young suggested that the Council consider the following for further discussion:

1. Clarify the Structure of the Commission. (How many people, council members, etc.)

2. Estimate the cost for the process.

3. Provide estimate of time commitment

4. How applications will be solicited and what information should be on the application

5. Requirements for updates back to council

6. Requirements for posting of meetings, video recordings.

The Council agreed this should be discussed at a future meeting. on this matter.

• Willow Park Civics Research:

"A home rule city may do anything authorized by its charter that is not specifically prohibited or preempted by the Texas Constitution or state or federal law. A general law city has no charter and may only exercise those powers that are specifically granted or implied by statute." Alphabet Soup: Types of Texas Cities, Texas Municipal League / .pdf / Excerpts in .pdf


3. Discussion/Action: Creating a Citizen Financial Oversight Committee #Finance

• Background: Mayor Palmer will lead a discussion about creating a Citizen Financial Oversight Committee.

• Minutes: 

Mayor Teresa Palmer led the discussion on creating a Citizen Financial Oversight Committee.

Mayor Teresa Palmer stated that this would allow for us to have more Transparency. There are other committees such as Parks, so this would not be an unusual request. People want to talk about the finances and want to be involved. How do we bring in the same thing as we discussed regarding the Home Rule Committee. Would like to see this discussed further at the next meeting. How do we form the committee, what would the application look like.

Mayor Pro Tem Lea Young, question, Other boards have Ordinances that set the parameters of the board. Would this committee need this as well. City Attorney Pat Chesser stated that this would be recommended.

Mayor Palmer stated that the biggest concern at the moment is the City Budget. How do we get the citizens involved in this process.

City Manager Bryan Grimes informed the Council that the Budget pretty much writes itself because there is not a lot of discretionary expenditures. Citizen participation and transparency. We put the Budget out for the public to review 60 days before it is adopted for the public to review and ask questions. There are at least 2 Budget work shops that can be as participatory as the Council likes and citizens can attend and ask questions.

We do have a real deadline for Adoption of the Budget. Has to be adopted by October 1, 2025. Meetings are set with staff and City manager to discuss what needs/wants are needed for the new budget.

Mayor Palmer said citizens want a voice and education.

Mayor Pro Tem Lea Young suggested that we make the Work sessions open and allow citizens to ask questions and prepare to get education. Use our Council meetings rather than setting up a new committee. This way we do not slow down the Budget process.

We do not want to spread people to thin with all of the committees suggested and we have a mandated guideline to get the Budget adopted. We will make the work sessions part of the regular Council meetings so that the citizens are aware of the discussions and we can answer questions as we move alone.

Fail safe adoption of the budget: We have to have 4/5 of the Council present to adopt the budget and set a tax rate. If we have to move dates around we have the 2nd meeting in September to fall back on to get the budget passed.

Councilmember Eric Contreras asked Mayor Palmer what authority would you want the Committee to have. Mayor Palmer said mainly to educate them, I don’t see them stepping in to try to make changes.

No action was taken on this matter.

• Willow Park Civics Research: [AI generated]

A Citizen Financial Oversight Committee in Texas is a group of citizens who provide oversight and review of government financial activities, often related to public spending or budgets. Some key points about Citizen Financial Oversight Committees in Texas:

Purpose: These committees are designed to increase transparency and accountability in how public funds are managed and spent by elected officials. They allow direct taxpayer review of financial decisions and can help identify any potential waste or abuse.

Composition: Citizen oversight committees are typically made up of members of the public with relevant expertise, such as in construction, financial management, or public agencies. They are often recommended by elected officials or community leaders.

Oversight Powers: Citizen oversight committees generally have the authority to review annual financial and performance audits, as well as monitor spending decisions made by elected officials. They can provide recommendations and alerts about any potential issues.

Prevalence: While not mandated statewide, many local governments in Texas have established citizen oversight committees


4. Discussion/Action: Approving Resolution 2025-09 Designating an Officer or Employee of the City to Calculate the No-New Revenue Tax Rate and Voter Approval Tax Rate for the City of Willow Park as required by Texas Tax Code Section 26.04 #Finance

• Background: Providing the name, phone number, and email address of our designated officer or employee (DOE) who will prepare all Truth in Taxation (TNT) calculation forms in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Texas Property Tax Code and laws of Texas. This designee is responsible for calculating the no-new-revenue tax rate, voter-approved tax rate, and de minimis rate (if applicable).

• Exhibits:

• Willow Park Civics Research:

• City of Willow Park > Tuesday, June 25, 2024 06:00 PM 7. Discussion/Action: to approve a resolution to designate the Designated Officer or Employee for Truth in Taxation. 

• Minutes: Video 39.43 - Grimes: New to us this year [2024]; first year required by Parker County Appraisal District, usually Grimes and Scott; Council unanimously voted same this year Grimes and Scott.

• 25 June 2024 Council Meeting, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 21 June 2024


5. Discussion/Action: Budget Calendar for FY 2025-2026 Annual Budget #Finance

• Background:

Attached is the proposed budget calendar adoption of the FY 2025 – 2026 Budget.

Two important dates to keep in mind:

1. We will adopt the budget on September 9, 2025

2. We will hold a Budget & Tax Rate Public Hearing on August 26, 2025.

We will need 4/5 of the City Council members present to vote. The Mayor does not constitutue a quorum to meet this requirement. If there is a conflict on these dates, please let me know as soon as possible so we can change / move the dates.

Draft: CITY OF WILLOW PARK BUDGET CALENDAR

FISCAL YEAR 2025 - 2026

• JUNE 24--OR-- JULY 8: City Council Budget Workshop on all Enterprise Funds

• JULY 8—OR—JULY 22: City Council Budget Workshop on General Fund & I/S

• ON OR BEFORE JULY 25: FILE PROPOSED BUDGET WITH CITY SECRETARY

The proposed budget must contain a special cover page if the budget will raise more total property taxes than the previous year. The City Secretary must post the proposed budget on the City’s website.

Additionally, the proposed budget must include a line item comparing expenditures in the proposed budget and actual expenditures in the preceding year for: (1) notices required to be published in the newspaper; and (2) directly or indirectly influencing or attempting to influence the outcome of legislation or administrative action, as those terms are defined in Gov’t Code Section 305.002 (See Tex. Loc. Gov’t Code Section 140.0045).

• JULY 25: CAD DEADLINE TO PROVIDED CERTIFIED APPRAISAL TAX ROLL

This is an important date because it will give staff information from the CAD (Comptroller) to determine the M/O and I/S Tax Rates.

• AUGUST 26: DISCUSSION OF TAX RATE; COUNCIL HOLDS A RECORD VOTE ON APPROVING PROPOSED TAX RATE; SET DATE TO CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING ON BUDGET AND TAX RATE FOR SEPTEMBER 9, 2025

• AUGUST 29: PUBLISH NOTICE OF BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING IN COMMUNITY NEWS FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 9; PUBLISH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE IN THE COMMUNITY NEWS

The notice of budget public hearing may not be published earlier than the 30th day before the public hearing and not later than the 10th day before the budget hearing. The budget hearing notice must contain specific information about property tax increases per Tex. Loc. Gov’t Code Section 102.0065(d).

Post notice that the tax rate that will exceed the no-new-revenue rate continuously on the City’s website and publish in newspaper. The notice must be posted continuously on the City’s website for at least 7 days immediately before the public hearing on the proposed tax rate increase and the vote on the proposed tax rate. (Tax Code Section 26.065). The notice must contain the content required in Tax Code Sections 26.06(b-1), (b-2), and (b-3). The notice of tax rate hearing if the proposed tax rate will exceed the no-new-revenue rate, must be published at least 5 days before the public hearing on the tax rate.

• SEPTEMBER 9: COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING ON BUDGET; FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARING THE CITY COUNCIL VOTES TO ADOPT BUDGET; COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE; FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARING, COUNCIL VOTES TO ADOPT TAX RATE

The City Council must take a separate ratification vote to adopt any budget that will raise total property tax revenue. The budget must contain a special cover page in accordance with the requirements of LGC Section 102.007(d). The adopted budget, including the cover page, must be posted on the City’s website, along with an appendix that sets out the tax rate calculation forms used by the designated officer or employee to calculate the City’s no new revenue tax rate and the voter approval tax rate.

• Exhibits:

• Minutes: 

Motion was made to approve the Budget Calendar for FY 2025-2026 Annual Budget as presented with meeting dates for Budget Workshops and adoption as August 26th, regular city council meeting, September 9, 2025 regular city council meeting, hold Public Hearing and Adopt the Budget, September 10, 2025 Special Meeting to adopt the tax rate.

• Willow Park Civics Research:

• Video about WP budget and tax rate, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 24 September 2022

The City of Willow Park has produced a video to explain the basics of the city budget and the city property tax rate. Three and a half minutes well-spent. Watch it on Youtube.


6. Discussion/Action: to Authorize Consultants Hub International to seek competitive proposals for Health/Dental/Vision/Life and Short Term Disability Benefits for city employees.

• Background:

• Minutes: 

Motion was made to postpone action to authorize consultants with Hub International to seek competitive proposals for Health/Dental/Vision/Life and Short Term Disability Benefits for the City Employees until the June 24, 2025 City Council meeting.

• Willow Park Civics Research:

• City of Willow Park > City Council Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - 6:00pm Agenda Item 2. Discussion/Action: to consider the recommendations form HUB Insurance to award a contract for City Employee Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year. City Council Briefing - Insurance Renewal.pdf (0.04 MB)

• 10 September 2024 Council Meeting, Willow Park Civics Blog

• Agenda Item 2. Discussion/Action: to consider the recommendations form HUB Insurance to award a contract for City Employee Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

• Background: The City’s Broker sent out an RFP for health, dental, vision and life insurance coverage and received several responses. The responses were reviewed by the HUB Agency. Rodney Dryden will make the presentation to Council.


Informational Comments

9. Mayor and City Council Comments

• Minutes:

Mayor Teresa Palmer asked the Council if they had any comments:

Councilmember Eric Contreras asked everyone to please pray for Cole Thompson and wife Nikki. Cole Thompson had a heart attack. They are a wonderful family, asking for healing prayers for all of them.

Mayor Palmer stated that we also asked for prayers for the family in the community that had a member that was struck by lightning during a bad storm a week ago.

Mayor Pro Tem Lea Young wanted to announce that the Parks Department and Mandy McCarley submitted an application for the TXDOT Green Ribbon Grant and we were accepted for a $400,000 grant. So we are looking forward to being able to upgrade the entrance into the City.


10. City Manager Comments

• Minutes:

City Manager Bryan Grimes comments:

City Hall will be closed on June 19, 2025 for the Juneteenth Holiday.

We have numerous staff members that will be out of the office on vacations and training.

Michelle Guelker and Andi Saylor are in Austin at a TML Budget Conference.

Several other staff members will be attending the Legislative Update conference at the end of the month.


EXECUTIVE SESSION It is anticipated that all, or a portion of the discussion of the foregoing item will be conducted in closed executive session under authority of the Section 551 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. However, no action will be taken on this item until the City Council reconvenes in open session.

Mayor Teresa Palmer stated there was no action on item regarding City of Willow Park vs Halff & Associates.

• Minutes: 

Mayor Teresa Palmer stated there was no action on item regarding City of Willow

Mayor Palmer stated that City manager Bryan Grimes had his mid-year review and we are going to Carry On. He is doing a Great Job. No action on this item.

7. Section 551.071; Consultation with Attorney; City of Willow Park v. Halff & Associates #FortWorthWater

• Willow Park Civics Research:


8. Section 551.074; Personnel Matters; City Manager Mid Year Review




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