Texarkana Arkansas AMP Commission Meeting - October 21, 2025

The Texarkana Arkansas Advertising and Promotion (AMP) Commission held a regular meeting on October 21, 2025. The main agenda items included tabling a funding application, reviewing proposed amendments to the commission's bylaws, declaring a vacancy, and a report on delinquent taxes. The meeting was chaired by Chairman Brewer.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were identified.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were recorded.

Discussion Items

• AMP Funding Application: A motion was made and seconded to table the review of an AMP funding application and recipient package to the next meeting to allow members more time to review. The motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote (Meals, Homes, Right, Dotson, Rure all yes).
• Bylaw Amendments (First Reading): The commission discussed several proposed amendments to the AMP bylaws, which must be presented at one meeting and passed at the next. Key amendments included:
  • Prepared Food Definition: Proposed language to define prepared food consistent with Arkansas state tax law. The definition would apply to convenience stores selling items like hot dogs. A commissioner expressed support, noting the commission already taxes convenience stores for prepared food. No objection was raised.
  • Quorum and Majority Vote (Article 2, Section 5): Proposed changing from requiring unanimous consent of a quorum to a majority vote of members present and voting. This stems from a prior incident where one commissioner's negative vote prevented a reappointment. Some commissioners (e.g., Mr. Jewel) argued this could allow three members to dictate decisions when only four are present, while others supported majority rule to prevent a single member from blocking actions. No final decision was made.
  • Suspension of Rules (Article 2, Section 8): Proposed provision allowing suspension of rules by a two-thirds vote of members present. After discussion, it was considered unnecessary and likely to be deleted.
  • Officer Succession (Chairman Pro Temp): Proposed adding a chairman pro temp to create a three-tier succession (chair, vice chair, pro temp) with two-year terms. Some commissioners felt this was overly complicated, while others supported it as a contingency. No decision reached.
  • Fund Balance Reserve (Article 8): Proposed maintaining a minimum fund balance of $150,000, with any expenditure dropping below that requiring a two-thirds vote of the commission. This was generally supported.
  • Membership Attendance (Article 1): Clarification that missing three meetings without just cause could lead to removal. The chairman noted just cause would be determined by the chairman. A commissioner raised potential conflict with city manager removal powers, but the attorney agreed to review.
• Delinquent A&P Taxes: A report on delinquent hotel and motel taxes was presented for information. Discussion included potential use of business licenses or certificate of occupancy enforcement to encourage timely tax remittance. No action was taken.
• Vacancy Declaration: Chairman Brewer announced the resignation of Commissioner Lisa Vandergraf (effective September 2025) and declared a vacancy on the AMP commission. The commission will run a public notice and advertisement to fill the position.

Key Outcomes

• Funding Application Tabled: The AMP funding application and recipient package were tabled to the next meeting (January 2025) for further review and a vote.
• Bylaw Amendments – First Reading: All proposed bylaw amendments were presented as a first reading. Separate votes on each clause will occur at the next regular meeting (January 2025) for final adoption, including decisions on prepared food definition, quorum/vote rules, suspension of rules, officer succession, fund balance reserve, and attendance policy.
• Vacancy Declared: One vacancy on the AMP commission was declared due to resignation. The commission will advertise and accept nominations for appointment by the city board.
• Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made and seconded, with a roll call vote (Meals, Jewel, Homes, Right, Brewer all yes).