Kennedale Observer - Latest Newsletter

Home ============ Teachers' Salaries ============ potential AISD employee child care benefit ============ Taxpayers' Funds at Risk ============ Open Letter to AISD Taxpayers ============ Citizens Defending Freedom vs. AISD Lawsuit ============== March 9, 2026 Newsletter ============= Arlington City CouncilGrades ============= AISD Board Grades ================ March 2, 2026 Newsletter ============ February 23, 2026 Newsletter ============ February 16, 2026 Newsletter =========== February 9, 2026 Newsletter ============ ================ Hunter Crow, Candidate for Mayor ============= Jim Ross, Mayor ============= Shaun Mallory, Candidate for Mayor ============ Steve Cavender, Candidate for Mayor ================ Kelly Burke, Candidate for Place 3 ============ Nikkie Hunter, District3 ================ Tom Ware, Candidate District 4 ============= Rojo Meixueiro, Candidate District 4 ============= Lisa Ventura, Candidate District 4 ================ Rebecca Boxall, District5 ============ Brittney Garcia-Dumas, Candidate District 5 ================ Jason Shelton, Candidate District 8 ============= Melody Fowler, Candidate District 8 current AISD-Place2 ============= Corey Harris, Candidate District 8 ================ Jan Tyler, Candidate for AISD Place 6 ============= Brooklyn Richardson, AISDPlace6 ================ Leanne Haynes, AISDPlace7 ============= Linton Davis, Candidate for AISD Place 7 ================ Mauricio Galante, District1 ============= Raul Gonzalez, District2 ============= Andrew Piel, District4 ============= Long Pham, District6 ============= Bowie Hogg, District7 ============== Barbara Odom-Wesley, District8 ============= Sarah McMurrough, AISDPlace1 ============= Larry Mike, AISDPlace3 ============= David Wilbanks, AISDPlace4 ========== Justin Chapa, AISDPlace5 ============= Fact Sheet - November 8, 2022 Election ============ ++++++++++++ ============= Kennedale Observer Homepage =========== Investigation Report =============== Kennedale Senior Tax Freeze ============== 1083 Bowman Springs Road Kennedale ============ Kennedale City CouncilGrades ========== Texas Open Meetings Act Violations??? ============== The Bridge ============== Kennedale Observer - Latest Newsletter ============ Prior to That Newsletter ================== Brian Johnson, Candidate for Kennedale Mayor ============= Thelma Kobeck, Candidate for Kennedale Mayor ================ James Connor, Candidate for Kennedale Place 2 ============ Bryant Griffith, Candidate for Kennedale Place 2 ================ Ryon Ray, Candidate for Kennedale Place 4 ============= Melissa Barrow, Candidate for Kennedale Place 4 ================== Brad Horton, Kennedale Mayor ============ David Glover, Kennedale Place 1 ============= Ken Michels, Kennedale Place 3 ============= Jeff Nevarez, Kennedale Place 5 ============ Kennedale City Council Compare ========== Kennedale EDC MMA contract information ==============

March 8, 2026 – Volume 9 Number 10

HIGHLIGHTS:

* Kennedale Area Chamber of Commerce is dissolved

* May 2 Election has three contested races:

Ballot Order:

Mayor – Brian Johnson

Mayor – Thelma Kobeck

Place 2 – James Connor

Place 2 – Bryant Griffith

Place 4 – Ryon Ray

Place 4 – Melissa Barrow

Question 2 responses are in this newsletter.

SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, March 10: KKB (Keep Kennedale Beautiful) meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10: Parks Board meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 12: Board of Adjustment meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 17: City Council meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 17: St. Patrick's Day.

Tuesday, March 24: EDC Board meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 26: P&Z meeting, 6:00 p.m.

KNOW WHAT YOUR CITY IS UP TO...

Your City Council

The city council did not meet last week. The March regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17. There seems to be four public hearings on that agenda.

Leftovers:

The “Investigation” was listed on the executive session agenda for the October 21 meeting. Council Member Kobeck came out of executive session and made the motion to waive the attorney-client privilege and release the investigation report to the public. That motion was approved, 4-0.

We have taken the .pdf Investigation Report and converted to text (far from 100% perfect) and tried to make improvements at: http://www.arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_13.html .

Previous Analysis:

Results: The evidence does NOT confirm…

See the November 9, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Witch Hunt?

See the November 16, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Jeff Nevarez interview – Our Part I

See the November 16, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Jeff Nevarez interview – Our Part II

See the November 23, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Was the Investigation Hi-jacked by the city attorney and city manager?

See the November 30, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Pay to Play Scandal

See the December 7, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Wandell Investigation Files

See the December 14, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Lack of Accountability/Afraid to Speak

See the December 21, 2025, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Griffith vs. Hull – “The Threat”

See the January 4, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Chamber Vote

See the January 11, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Hiring Austin Degenhart

See the January 18, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

City Manager has Favorites?

See the January 25, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Our Commentary

See the February 1, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

“No Shame” Griffith

See the February 15, 2026, Kennedale Observer for more details.

Candidate Question 2: Kennedale is the eighth highest taxing city of the 41 cities in Tarrant County. What are some viable potential solutions to alleviate the tax burden on the citizens or is this just something that the citizens of Kennedale must learn to accept? Why?

Ballot Order:

Mayor – Brian Johnson – Did not respond.

Mayor – Thelma Kobeck – First, let’s look at some promising trends related to this question. Two years ago, Kennedale was the third highest taxing city of the 41 cities in Tarrant County. A year ago, we were the fifth highest. Now, we are the eighth highest. Is it progress? Yes, it is. Is that where I would like it for us to be? Absolutely not.

Nor is it just something that the citizens of Kennedale must learn to accept.

With that said, let’s look at some viable potential solutions to alleviate the tax burden on the citizens.

As I’ve stated before, it is the responsibility of the city government, including the Council, to remember their fiduciary responsibility to the citizens. We need to make careful budgetary decisions and work within the budget that is set. While I think we are doing a better job of this, there are still too many times that an amount is set in the budget for something and then months later, the Council is being brought an agenda item to vote to spend more money on that same item.

Again, some improvements have occurred. Staff is reporting more regularly and in more detail (for the most part) about major budget items.

Now, the goal should be to focus on careful spending. Some viable potential solutions that would alleviate the tax burden for citizens include:

No funding of new staff positions for at least two years

- Other than step increases, limit employee raises to a cost-of-living increase based on the current Consumer Price Index

- Any new projects that are budgeted to cost more than $500,000 should be funded by a GO bond rather than a CO bond unless an emergency is declared

- No spending on engineering for any large projects that have no path to funding; if we don’t have the funds to complete it, we don’t need to spend money for a design plan

- Challenge each city department to reduce their 2027 budget by 5-10 percent from the 2026 budget

- Review the properties held by the EDC and begin to sell some of those properties to get them back on the tax rolls

- Do not approve developments if they require extensive spending to build/improve infrastructure

- Approve a budget that is at least 5 – 10 % LESS than the anticipated tax monies that will be received from the taxpayers. This will add to the reserve funds, thus making it possible to lower the tax burden on the citizens

- Of course, continue to actively recruit new businesses to move to Kennedale

In order for any of these potential solutions to work, however, city staff must abide by them, city council members must vote in favor of them and provide oversight to ensure that they are implemented, and the citizens must speak out to make sure that staff and council are doing what they must do to engage in careful spending. And if that isn’t happening, then the citizens need to make sure they are heard when they cast their votes in elections.

As I stated earlier, some progress has been made; but there is a great deal more to do in order to alleviate the tax burden on Kennedale citizens.

Place 2 – James Connor – Kennedale’s relatively high tax rate is a concern for many residents, and it’s something city leadership should always be working to address. While taxes are necessary to fund essential services like police, fire protection, and infrastructure, homeowners should not be expected to carry an unfair share of the burden. The city must focus on growing its tax base responsibly while managing taxpayer dollars wisely.
Economic development is a key part of the solution. Attracting new businesses and encouraging commercial investment helps broaden the tax base and generates additional sales tax revenue. Redeveloping underutilized or vacant land into productive commercial spaces can bring new jobs, increase economic activity, and help reduce the reliance on residential property taxes.

However, I believe economic growth should happen without relying on Chapter 380 incentive agreements that shift financial risk onto taxpayers. Too often, these agreements promise economic benefits that may or may not materialize while committing public funds or tax rebates to private developers. Kennedale should focus on attracting businesses that see the value in investing in our community without requiring taxpayer-funded incentives.

Responsible budgeting and efficiency must also remain a priority. The city should continually review spending to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively. That means prioritizing essential services, eliminating unnecessary expenses where possible, and using technology or smarter service delivery to improve efficiency. In some cases, restructuring municipal debt can also reduce long-term financial obligations.

Diversifying revenue streams is another important step. Encouraging residents to support local businesses strengthens sales tax revenue and reduces reliance on property taxes. Ensuring that new development contributes its fair share through impact fees helps prevent existing residents from subsidizing growth. The city should also pursue available state and federal grants to fund infrastructure and community projects.

Smart growth strategies can also help strengthen the city’s financial position. Thoughtful zoning that encourages mixed-use development and commercial opportunities can expand the local economy while preserving the character of our community.

Finally, transparency and citizen involvement are essential. Residents deserve clear communication about how their tax dollars are being spent and should have opportunities to provide input on city priorities. Programs such as senior tax freezes and targeted tax relief can also help protect residents on fixed incomes.

Kennedale’s goal should always be balance: maintaining the quality services our community depends on while pursuing responsible growth, efficient budgeting, and policies that protect taxpayers.

Place 2 – Bryant Griffith – Residents should not accept high taxes as permanent, but meaningful relief requires patience, consistency, and strategic planning. Tax rates are often a symptom, while economic structure is the cause. By continuing to support responsible growth, infrastructure improvements, and predictable governance, Kennedale can build a stronger financial foundation that allows future councils to reduce the burden on residents while maintaining essential services.

Kennedale’s tax burden is a legitimate concern, and residents should not simply be expected to accept high taxes as inevitable. However, meaningful relief does not come from short-term adjustments to the tax rate alone; it comes from addressing the underlying reasons our rate has historically remained high. For many years, Kennedale relied heavily on residential property taxes because the city lacked sufficient commercial and economic diversification to share the cost of services.

In recent years, progress has begun to occur. While the tax rate has remained relatively stable, Kennedale’s ranking among Tarrant County cities has improved, reflecting early results from efforts to strengthen the city’s economic foundation. It is important to celebrate the wins while we continue to work towards additional tax relief. Such wins include a 20-year all-time low in our tax rate, a decrease in our rate from .70 to .69, and a drop in ranking from 3rd highest in Tarrant County to 8th. This demonstrates an important reality: tax relief is a long-term process shaped by infrastructure, accessibility, and economic opportunity rather than a single vote or budget cycle.

Lowering the tax burden requires expanding the tax base so the cost of city services is shared more broadly. Infrastructure investments such as the Little School Road bridge are not simply transportation projects; they are economic catalysts that open previously limited areas of the city to responsible development and commercial investment. Access creates opportunity, opportunity attracts investment, and investment helps reduce pressure on homeowners over time.

In recent years, progress has begun to occur. While the tax rate has remained relatively stable, Kennedale’s ranking among Tarrant County cities has improved, reflecting early results from efforts to strengthen the city’s economic foundation. This demonstrates an important reality: tax relief is a long-term process shaped by infrastructure, accessibility, and economic opportunity rather than a single vote or budget cycle.

Place 4 – Ryon Ray – Yes—Kennedale can reduce the long-term property tax burden on residents, but it requires strategic growth and disciplined planning, not short-term cuts that weaken city services or infrastructure.

Kennedale’s tax challenge is fundamentally a revenue-balance issue. Like many smaller cities, our General Fund relies heavily on property taxes, which currently make up just over half of total General Fund revenue, while sales tax contributes less than one-quarter, with the remainder coming from permits, fees, and other miscellaneous sources. While property tax revenue has increased due to rising appraisals, sales tax growth has remained relatively flat, leaving homeowners to shoulder a disproportionate share of the burden.

It is also important to clarify where Kennedale truly ranks. The City of Kennedale’s municipal tax rate is not among the highest in Tarrant County—it falls closer to the middle when compared city-to-city. The majority of a homeowner’s total property tax bill is driven by school district and county taxes, not the city portion.

If residents want lower property tax pressure without sacrificing service levels, the path forward is clear:

Kennedale must grow its tax base responsibly and strategically—especially through development that generates economic activity and sales tax revenue.

A key opportunity lies in strategic residential development on the west side of Kennedale. Thoughtfully planned housing growth in this area can serve as a foundation for economic expansion throughout the city by:

- Increasing population density in targeted areas

- Creating demand that attracts retail, service, and commercial investment

- Driving sustainable sales tax growth, not just additional rooftops

- Expanding the overall tax base so infrastructure and services are supported by growth—not existing homeowners alone

When housing development is aligned with commercial opportunity, it becomes a multiplier, not a strain. New residents support local businesses, new businesses generate sales tax revenue, and that evenue helps rebalance city finances away from over-dependence on property taxes.

This approach must be intentional and measured. Kennedale has limited land and limited margin for error. Growth that is poorly planned can increase costs faster than revenue. Growth that is strategically located, properly phased, and economically aligned can strengthen city finances and protect taxpayers long term.

Place 4 – Melissa Barrow - Kennedale residents should not have to simply “accept” being one of the highest-taxed cities in Tarrant County. While I want to acknowledge progress, moving from 5th to 8th highest, and give credit for that improvement, I know progress does not mean the job is done.

Lasting relief requires integrity, transparency, and respect in our budgeting and development.

Integrity means practicing disciplined budgeting and prioritizing needs over wants, especially when residents are feeling the weight of high property taxes. It requires treating taxpayer dollars with the same care and restraint we use in our own households.

Transparency means ensuring projects are awarded based on merit and value through competitive bidding, requesting at least three bids whenever feasible so residents can trust that decisions are made in the public’s best interest, not out of familiarity or convenience.

Respect means listening to residents and business owners as we plan our growth and pursue commercial and retail development that coexists well with our neighborhoods while attracting outside dollars to strengthen our tax base and support essential services.

Kennedale families work hard for their money. Their city government should steward it with the same care.

To address the matter of lowering taxes I propose:

1. Stronger Budget Discipline, Needs Over Wants

Before asking more of taxpayers, the City must consistently demonstrate fiscal restraint.

Kennedale families know what it means to tighten their belts. When expenses rise, you delay upgrades and prioritize essentials. City government should operate with that same mindset.

For example, naming and adding newly constructed signage to a roundabout may seem minor, but it is a discretionary enhancement. The traffic improvement itself is the need. Cosmetic additions are not core services.

Similarly, replacing chairs in the council chambers was a stylistic update. The chairs were not broken, unsafe, or out of code — they were simply outdated in appearance. That is a want, not a need.

Each of these items may be small individually, but as we all know from our household budgets, small discretionary expenses add up. A line-by-line budget review process and a firm commitment to prioritizing public safety, infrastructure, and essential services must come first.

As a candidate, I will also request a standard policy of obtaining at least three competitive bids for projects whenever feasible. Competitive bidding protects taxpayer dollars, ensures fair market pricing, and increases transparency in how contracts are awarded. We owe residents the confidence that every project is being completed at the best possible value.

2. Diversify the Tax Base, Don’t Just Add More Rooftops

Some may suggest more housing developments as a solution to the high tax rate we as residents are paying. Except it doesn’t add up. Simply adding more residents is not the same as solving the tax burden. More rooftops often mean increased demand for roads, utilities, police, fire, and long-term infrastructure maintenance. Without strong commercial growth, that model can strain city finances rather than relieve them.

The more sustainable path is diversification through commercial and retail development.

The two hotels awaiting construction are a positive step and will generate hotel occupancy tax revenue. But we must continue building on that momentum.

We should prioritize commercial and retail growth over continued industrial expansion or heavy residential development. Retail generates sales tax revenue that reduces reliance on property taxes. Commercial properties often contribute significant revenue without placing the same level of service demand on the city as residential neighborhoods.

We must recruit retailers that compete with Arlington and Mansfield offerings to attract visitors and retain residents. The quality of retail matters just as much as the quantity.

We should be intentional about attracting businesses that can compete with surrounding cities and even draw visitors from outside our boundaries. High-quality dining, specialty retail, and needed services that fill market gaps can keep local dollars in Kennedale while also bringing outside dollars in.

If we elevate the caliber of our retail corridors, Kennedale becomes a destination — not just a bedroom community. That strengthens sales tax revenue and improves quality of life at the same time.

Working closely with our Economic Development Corporation to strategically market key commercial areas will be essential to achieving this goal.

3. Leverage Outside Funding

Finally, we must aggressively pursue state and federal grants for infrastructure, public safety equipment, and capital improvements. When outside funding supports projects we already need, it reduces reliance on property taxes.

# # # # # # # # # # #

Last Week

There were no meetings last week.

This Week

This week the Keep Kennedale Beautiful (KKB) (agenda) and the Parks Board (agenda) meet on Tuesday.

The Board of Adjustment (BOA) will hold a meeting on Thursday which includes a public hearing (packet).

Public Hearings

On Thursday, March 12, Board of Adjustment (BOA) will hold a public hearing for the renewal of a special exception for vehicle repair, minor use at 6317 Wildcat Way.

On Tuesday, March 17, the city council will hold a public hearing on PZ26-01 to change the zoning from Old Town-4 to General Commercial-2 at 444 E. Kennedale Parkway.

On Tuesday, March 17, the city council will hold a public hearing for the 52^nd Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program to install 1175 linear feet of ADA compliant sidewalk along W. 3^rd Street (within the limits of Municipal Drive and North Road).

On Tuesday, March 17, the city council will hold a public hearing for ordinance #795 to prohibit the exposure of children to illegal drugs.

On Tuesday, March 17, the city council will hold a public hearing for ordinance #796 for adopting speed limits on certain roadways.

EDC

The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, March 24.

P&Z

The P&Z meeting on Thursday, March 26 has been canceled. The next meeting might be Thursday, April 23.

Other News....

Chamber of Commerce

The Kennedale Area Chamber of Commerce has concluded operations. [ https://mailchi.mp/bb4e0f67ceca/future-of-the-chamber?e=b408c67838 ]

[Commentary: Brian Johnson, candidate for Mayor was president. Bryant Griffith, candidate for Place 2 was vice-president. I do not know enough to flat out say 100% for sure it is their fault, but it sure does not look good when the Chamber has been able to survive on a shoestring budget for many, many years in the past and is now shutting down. The pair knew of Chamber's finances when they took their positions of power and are now it is shutting down. It certainly gives the impression that the pair loves spending other people's money--the last thing I would want from my mayor and council.]

TAD Rates

Tarrant Appraisal District has published the tax rates (October 2025) for the county. Kennedale has now dropped to the eighth highest municipality. [https://www.tad.org/content/rates/2025TaxRates.pdf ].

Top eleven of 41 (everyone else is < 0.65)

1. Everman 1.0260800

2. Sansom Park 0.8457840

3. Blue Mound 0.8138000

4. River Oaks 0.7439910

5. Burleson 0.7218000

6. White Settlement 0.7147780

7. Forest Hill 0.7004660

8. Kennedale 0.6961900

9. Pelican Bay 0.6762930

10. Fort Worth 0.6700000

11. Grand Prairie 0.6600000