Meeting of the Mayors - KAUZ-TV: Newschannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TX

Wichita Falls Mayor Glenn Barham and Lakeside City Mayor Jim Henson met Wednesday to try and settle a longtime dispute between the two communities.

Wichita Falls City Officials have been battling across county lines with Lakeside City residents for more than 2 years, claming their piers and docks cross onto Wichita Falls property.

With water levels drastically down, the structures now sit on dry land and according to the city of Wichita Falls, that puts them on Wichita Falls property. The city said it's looking to beautify the shores of the lake and many of the piers and shacks are eyesores.

Some Lakeside City residents received a letter last month telling them to reach out to the Wichita Falls Property Administration to claim their encroachment, and pay a fee on it. Otherwise their property will be considered abandoned property.

But Lakeside residents aren't too keen on paying another city for what they say belongs to them. A community group has hired a lawyer to represent their interests and protect their property.

I spoke briefly with Mayor Henson who told me he was encouraged by their meeting but there was still a lot of work to be done. He said one thing both sides agree on 100% is the need to beautify the shores of the lake.

Many Lakeside residents have already taken it upon themselves to clean up their docks and even tear down some old structures. They hope that being proactive might help in their city's negotiations with the city of Wichita Falls.

After more than 2 years and little resolution, residents and mayors are hoping to make some headway with more open communication. Mayor Henson said there will be more meetings, but it could be weeks before any decisions are made.

Jack Lamson, Newschannel 6
@JackLamson