City Awarded 3rd Transparency Star

The City of North Richland Hills has been awarded the Texas Comptroller’s Public Pensions Transparency Star, a distinction recognizing local governments that exceed standard financial reporting requirements. This honor highlights the city’s commitment to fiscal accountability by providing residents with clear, user-friendly data regarding its long-term employee retirement obligations and funding health.

By achieving this star, North Richland Hills joins an elite group of Texas municipalities dedicated to making complex financial information accessible to the public. This is our third star, with the Debt and Traditional Finance stars awarded in October. A total of six stars can be earned through the Comptroller's Transparency Stars Program and NRH is well on its way!

Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock presented the award to Mayor Jack McCarty and city staff last week. You can learn more about the Transparency Stars Program on the city's website.

City Council Meeting Highlights

Following are highlights from the Feb. 23, 2026, City Council Meeting. Please visit our public meeting portal to view the agenda and meeting video.

City Council Ethics Ordinance

During their work session, the City Council reviewed and discussed a draft ordinance that will formalize the City Council's “house rules” into an official ethics policy. The purpose of the policy is to clarify expectations for elected officials, promote public trust, and establish a process for addressing ethical concerns. The ordinance will be brought back for additional discussion and City Council action at a future meeting.

Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs Program

During the work session, City Manager Paulette Hartman proposed creating an Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs Program that will provide a structured approach for engaging community leaders, partner organizations and residents in legislative matters that impact North Richland Hills. The City Council will consider action to formally create the program at a future meeting.

Annual Financial Audits

The City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Single Audit for Fiscal Year 2025 were presented to the City Council. The independent audit firm of Forvis Mazars gave the City’s financial statements an unmodified or “clean” opinion. This opinion provides the highest level of assurance that can be given on a set of financial statements.

The ACFR provides a comprehensive look at the City’s financial condition, funds, compliance, and statistical information. The Single Audit is required when the city receives $750,000 or more in federal grants or $300,000 or more in state grants. Both financial reports are available for review on the city's website.

During the meeting, the auditor also praised the City for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 41st consecutive year. In order to earn this recognition, the City's annual financial report must be easily readable, efficiently organized and satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements. The Certificate of Achievement is valid for a period of one year only. 

Advisory Committee on Senior Affairs

The following residents were appointed to serve on the newly created Advisory Committee on Senior Affairs: Kathryn Rotter, Carole Cross, Jo Ann Johnson, Suzy Compton, David Wissore, Charles Scoma and Valencia Alexander. Kelvin Deupree will serve as the City Council liaison on the committee. The NRH Senior Center Manager and City Manager will also serve on the committee. Representatives from four local non-profits that serve the senior community will fill ex-officio positions. This committee will serve in an advisory role, promoting awareness of senior services, identifying community needs, and helping enhance the quality of life for older adults in our community. 

Other Board Appointments

Sarah Quigley-Buckley was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Animal Adoption & Rescue Center Advisory Committee. Danny Roberts was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Park and Recreation Facilities Development Corporation Board.

The next City Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026.

Primary Election: Tuesday is Last Day to Vote

Early voting in the Tarrant County Republican and Democratic Primary Elections wraps up this Friday, Feb. 27, and election day is Tuesday, March 3. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. North Richland Hills voters can use any Tarrant County polling location. Nearby locations include: 

• North Richland Hills City Hall, 4301 City Point Drive, NRH
• Gary Fickes Northeast Courthouse, 645 Grapevine Hwy, Hurst
• Keller Town Hall, 1100 Bear Creek Parkway, Keller

Please note: The NRH Library is NOT an early voting location for this election, but is a voting location on election day. Please visit the Tarrant County Elections website to find your sample ballot, view wait times and more. 

May 2 City Council Election Ballot Set

The May 2, 2026, City Council election ballot is set. With the filing period closed, a drawing was conducted this morning to determine the order in which the candidates’ names will appear on the ballot.

You are welcome to contact candidates directly to learn more about them. Contact information can be found on their candidate application forms. The candidates will be listed on the ballot as follows:

Mayor

• Literally Anybody Else

• Jack McCarty

Council Member, Place 2

• Brianne Goetz

• Sean Samuel Leonard

Council Member, Place 4

• John Schleeter

• Matt Blake

Council Member, Place 6

• Laura Jenkins

• Russ Mitchell

• William Darden

Early voting for the May 2 election will take place April 20 – 28. A candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote to win. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote for Place 6, the top two candidates will move to a runoff election on June 13.

Survey: TxDOT Wants Your Input

The TxDOT Fort Worth District wants your input! They’re creating a Transportation Master Plan that will help guide future improvements across their 9-county region. As part of their planning process, they're inviting the community to complete a brief travel survey.

TxDOT roadways in North Richland Hills include:

• NE Loop 820

• Davis Boulevard

• Precinct Line Road

• Boulevard 26

Your input will help shape the future of these and other state roadways in our area. Take the survey by March 1, 2026.

Upcoming Events

🌞 Play Today NRH
Join NRH Parks & Recreation on the first Saturday of the month at different park locations for Play Today NRH. Saturday, March 7, they will be at Linda Spurlock Park, 6400 Glenview Dr. from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. All ages and abilities welcome. 

🧓🏽Mapping the Journey

Mapping the Journey is a three-part educational series by the Alzheimer's Association that covers various topics for caregivers, including symptoms of dementia, advanced care planning, community resources, and how to manage changes in behavior and communication. The series will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on March 9, 16 and 23 in the Community Room at the NRH Library. No registration is required.

🌱Spring Garden Prep

Now's the time to prepare your garden for spring. Attend a free class on Thursday, March 12, at the NRH Library to learn how. The 45-minute class, taught by a Tarrant County Master Gardener, will begin at 5:30 p.m.

🧘🏽Free Community Yoga in the Park

Reduce anxiety, alleviate pain, and lower blood pressure while improving flexibility and balance. NRH Centre yoga instructor Stephany Padilla will lead a beginner-friendly yoga class on Saturday, March 14 at 9 a.m. at Linda Spurlock Park. No experience needed—just bring a mat and a willing heart! Please register in advance.

🍀Saint Patrick's Day Party

The NRH Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association (CFAAA) invites the community to their St. Patrick’s Day Party on Saturday, March 14, from 6 - 10 p.m. at B&B Theatres. Enjoy music, delicious food, cold beer, a silent auction, and plenty of festive fun, all while supporting a great cause. This event benefits the NRH Fire Department Pipes & Drums Honor Guard. Wear your green and come celebrate!

🎨Craft Supply Swap

Do you have leftover craft supplies? The NRH Library is hosting a Craft Supply Swap in The Maker Spot on Saturday, March 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Bring your new or gently used craft supplies to trade, chat with fellow crafters, and make great connections.

🎶Celebrating Culture: Western Music with Kristyn Harris

Enjoy a free performance by Kristyn Harris at the NRH Library on Tuesday, March 24, at 6 p.m. A local musical powerhouse who has been named the International Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year six times, Kristyn captivates audiences with her blend of western swing, cowboy songs, and classic country, often infused with hints of big band and folk influences. 

🍿NRH Spring Movie in the Park

Kick off spring with a free family movie night at Green Valley Park, hosted by NRH Parks & Recreation and the Birdville Area Youth Futbol Alliance! On Friday, March 27, they'll be showing the movie The Big Green on the Green Valley soccer fields. Seating starts at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at dusk, with concessions and pre-movie fun for all ages.



Never miss an event! Access our calendars on the NRHTX app. Available for iPhone and Android.