The city of Dalworthington Gardens, surrounded by Arlington, has accepted a high bid of $15,311 an acre from XTO with a 28 percent royalty. In addition, the city gets 3 percent (an "override") on production within the city's boundaries but not on city-owned property. That topped Chesapeake's $15,821 bonus with a 27.5 percent royalty, and Paloma Resources' $13,000 bonus with a 27 percent and a 2 percent override for wells on city property. The XTO lease includes an 18-month initial term and a 2-year option at $10,000 an acre. That is the highest residential bonus yet reported in Tarrant County.
In a new twist, the city also negotiated the same $15,311 bonus, and a 25 percent royalty, for residents within 5,000 feet of an XTO drill site. Enchanted Gardens, a 90-home subdivision, 
promptly signed a lease for the same terms with Paloma, Dalworthington Gardens is bordered by Bowen Road South on its east, Pleasant Ridge Road on its south, Kelly Perkins on its west and Pioneer Parkway on its north.
Click here for the full Star-Telegram report.
-- Jim
(Photo: Fishing at Pappy Elkins Park, right)
