Regular Meeting of the Texarkana, Arkansas Board of Directors - December 3, 2025

The Texarkana, Arkansas Board of Directors held a regular meeting on Tuesday, December 3, 2025. The meeting followed a workshop on the city's health insurance options. Key topics included citizen requests for a highway designation for a local WWII hero, concerns from the firefighter's union regarding health insurance premium increases, the adoption of a state-mandated ordinance on ward-based elections, and the annual property tax levy.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the November 17, 2025, regular meeting were approved.
• A resolution authorizing the City Manager to purchase replacement computer hardware for the IT department was adopted. Both consent agenda items passed without opposition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tom Warrenberg spoke in favor of naming a section of Highway 82 the "Staff Sergeant Denver Bull Randleman Memorial Highway." He detailed Randleman's service with Easy Company during World War II, noted over 600 signatures collected in support, and described the designation as costing the city virtually nothing. Mayor Brown confirmed the paperwork is on his desk. A neighbor spoke in support, calling Randleman a "gentle giant" who never spoke of his heroics.
• Daniel Fields, President of the Texarkana, Arkansas Firefighters Union, opposed the proposed health insurance premium increases. Representing 75% of fire department employees, he argued that premium increases without wage increases constitute a pay cut and harm morale and retention. Fields proposed offering employees a choice between a low-deductible plan and a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). He highlighted a proposed $225 monthly increase for family coverage and expressed concern that the board's December 16 budget vote falls after the December 15 health marketplace open enrollment deadline. City Manager Tyler clarified that a life-changing event would qualify employees for a special enrollment period. Fields also requested the board consider contributing to retiree health coverage and cited statistics that firefighters are 10% more likely to get to cancer and 6.5 times more likely to die from a cardiac event than the general population.

Discussion Items

• Employee Service Awards: Christopher Esthus (Texarkana Police Department, 10 years) and Christopher Miller (Texarkana Works, 5 years) were recognized.
• Overgrown Lots Liens: A public hearing was held on placing liens on 13 properties for the city's cost of removing overgrowth, trash, and debris, plus a 10% penalty. The resolution was adopted unanimously (7 votes in favor).
• Ward-Based Election Ordinance (Act 283 of 2025): City Manager Tyler presented an ordinance required by the state for cities that elect board members by ward. Director Hollibush stated he had obtained conflicting information from the Municipal League indicating the ordinance did not apply to the city manager form of government. He expressed concern it could "open up the door for something else" and explicitly stated his intention to vote "present". The majority of the board, including Mayor Brown, argued the ordinance was an important formality affirming current practices. The ordinance passed all three readings and was adopted with an emergency clause attached. In a notable discrepancy within the source transcript, Director Hollibush declared his intent to vote present but was recorded as voting "Yes" when the roll was called. The final vote for adoption was 6 in favor and 1 present.
• 2025 Tax Rate Ordinance: The board adopted the annual tax levy, maintaining the rates from the previous year: 5 mills for general purposes, 1 mill for the library, 1 mill for fire pensions, 1 mill for police pensions, and 2.5 mills for debt service. Staff clarified that the additional 2.5 mills from the recently passed street bond would not be included in this levy and would not appear on tax bills until 2027. The ordinance was adopted unanimously (7 votes in favor).
• Meeting Schedule Change: The board voted to postpone the regular meeting from Monday, December 15, to Tuesday, December 16, 2025, due to the city's Christmas parade. Director Hollibush questioned why the conflict existed and requested an explanation from Main Street. The motion passed 7 votes in favor.

Board Commentary and Staff Updates

• Breakfast with Santa was announced for December 13 at the Recreation Center from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
• Director Hollibush requested updates on an ARDOT bridge study on CIBA/Washington Street, a damaged manhole cover awaiting FEMA reimbursement, and the timeline for a new pothole repair truck (approx. $400,000, expected delivery within a couple of months). City Manager Tyler committed to providing updates.
• Director Harris inquired about chip sealing Ferguson Street (estimated cost $400,000–$500,000) and crack sealing on Dela Street. Tyler explained funding constraints and noted a budget workshop would provide further detail.
• Staff confirmed that limbs on Preston Street had been removed as requested.
• Tyler stated engineers are working on cost estimates and timelines for street bond projects. Funds are not expected to be available until late March or early April 2026. Regular updates on the bond's progress will be provided to the board.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved.
• Property Liens: Liens on 13 overgrown lots were certified for collection as delinquent taxes (unanimous, 7-0).
• Ward Election Ordinance: Adopted with an emergency clause (6-0-1, with Assistant Mayor Harris voting present; Director Hollibush declared an intent to vote present but was recorded as voting Yes in the roll call).
• Tax Levy: 2025 property tax rates levied at existing millage rates (unanimous, 7-0).
• Meeting Date: December board meeting rescheduled from Dec 15 to Dec 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM (unanimous, 7-0).
• Future Action: Staff committed to providing the board with regular updates on street bond implementation, ARDOT bridge status, FEMA claims, and capital equipment.