(Mineral Wells, Tx) – Mineral Wells historic Baker Hotel has now become the center of controversy between the Mayor and the developers of the new hotel revitalization project.

The Mineral Wells Index reports that some elected and appointed city officials were asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement in order to take part in sensitive closed session discussions involving the hotel and potential financial incentives for the project.  Mayor Christopher Perricone said he has not signed an NDA as mayor and won’t, based on the previous advice.   Perricone said he did not seek legal advice on whether to sign the specific Baker Hotel project nondisclosure agreement.  While the Baker Hotel renovation is a private project, Perricone tells the Index, that if any public funds are used, the public has a right to know details.

The other six city council members, along with members of the boards that over see the TIF and 4B funds and other selected city officials and personnel signed the NDA.

On June 20, the development group headed by Laird Fairchild and Chad Patton announced the beginning of a three-year renovation and restoration project that is estimated to cost around $65 million, according to Fairchild in an interview with the Index.  The Baker Hotel & Spa plans to open in the fall of 2022.