Willow Park adopts a city cell-phone policy: city phones stay in the U.S. unless the council approves…

The council passed the policy by resolution at its Tuesday, Oct. 20 meeting, The Community News reports. The issue arose after Mayor Teresa Palmer turned in a $930.34 bill from November 2025 for her city phone and data use on a vacation cruise; City Manager Toni Fisher said the city paid it and then turned off international roaming on city phones. "It did not appear to be intentional," Fisher said. The council agreed to pay two newer receipts totaling about $435, from cruises in late March and early April and in late August and early September, if Palmer shows they were for city business. Palmer, who was absent, told the paper by text that she could not comment on a policy discussed while she wasn't there, but said, "I can verify that the receipts I submitted were for work in my official capacity."

Under the policy, city-issued phones are for city business only, not personal ventures or campaign activity; their records fall under the city and state records-retention rules and the Texas Public Information Act; use outside the United States needs the council's prior approval; and every user must sign an agreement. The council also authorized staff to seek a Texas Department of Agriculture Community Development Block Grant of up to $750,000 for drainage, water, sewer or street work in moderate- to low-income areas, with a $75,000 city match if approved. Staff announced Laura Weber, formerly the City of Aledo's communications and events manager, as Willow Park's community relations director, two new police officers, and Michelle Guelker's promotion to deputy city manager and chief financial officer.

What you can do. Willow Park city phones can no longer be used abroad without a council vote first.

Source: The Community News, "Council addresses cell phone usage," by Rick Mauch, posted Oct. 22, 2026; read Oct. 23