Willow Park names Toni Fisher city manager, moves to keep out data centers, weighs countywide water agency

Source: Weatherford Democrat (Sally Sexton) · Published 2026-06-11

The Willow Park City Council named Interim City Manager Toni Fisher as the city's permanent city manager at its Tuesday, June 9 meeting, and directed staff toward a data-center zoning ordinance. 'Willow Park is not a place for data centers — never have, never will,' Councilman Scott Smith said, referencing a complex proposed off Farm-to-Market 1187 at the city's edge. The city currently does not address data centers in its zoning rules; Councilman Eric Contreras' motion asked staff to write an ordinance broadly covering large water users and to work with developer Robert Beall — who plans to develop 318 acres he wants annexed into the city — to drop 'data centers' from his plan. The council also heard a county-led pitch for 13 cities and water suppliers to form a Public Utility Agency, essentially a countywide water department; Freese & Nichols engineer Andrew Franko said the agency would not be a taxing entity but would be funded by members based on population, with mid-size cities like Willow Park asked to contribute about $20,000 toward an anticipated $350,000 annual budget (the county would put in $100,000 and Weatherford $50,000), and water delivery estimated five to six years out. Separately, the council directed Fisher to negotiate a renewal of the city's interlocal road-work agreement with Parker County, which expired in April; Public Works Director Chase McBride cautioned the county's help will be more limited next year. Fisher reported the city holds about $3.9 million in reserves. Source: Weatherford Democrat (Sally Sexton) · Published 2026-06-11

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