Texarkana City Board Meeting - January 6, 2026

The Texarkana, Arkansas Board of Directors held their regular meeting on January6, 2026 (the meeting occurred on January5, 2026, local time, but is recorded as January6 per official records). Key actions included the election of an assistant mayor, adoption of rules of procedure, approval of a major water/sewer extension contract, rezoning of two properties, and amendments to the entertainment district ordinance.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the December16, 2025 rescheduled regular meeting were approved.
• Personnel Policy Committee Reappointments: Directors Derek Cornett, Tracy Lee, and Jenny Nornes were reappointed to terms expiring January6, 2028.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Peavy (105 Olive, downtown) expressed concern that citizens are not given adequate opportunity to speak on agenda items before board votes, particularly on consent agenda items. He argued that the city's rules define 'action' as a vote and criticized the practice of limiting public comment to specified times. Mayor Brown and several directors responded, defending the current process as providing ample opportunity through citizen communication time and board member outreach.

Discussion Items

• Rules of Order and Procedure (Item5): The board debated a resolution adopting the rules of order and procedure as required by Arkansas Code. Director Jewell raised concerns that the consent agenda does not allow the public to speak on items before a vote. The board discussed whether current procedures adequately provide public input. A motion to adopt passed 7-0. (Note: Director Brewer later attempted to rescind his vote but was not permitted.)
• Water/Sewer Extension Contract – RBIS LLC (Item6): A resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a $3,315,344 contract with RBIS LLC for the Ready Site water and sewer extension project. Director Jewell expressed concern about the large discrepancy between the low bid and the next bid ($950,000), potential change orders, and lack of public input. City Manager Gary G. explained that the contractor is reputable and 'hungry' for work, and that the project is funded by bonds. Change orders over $35,000 require board approval. The resolution passed unanimously (7-0).
• Memorandum of Understanding with Airport (Item7): Authorized a pass-Through billing arrangement for police services at the Texarkana Regional Airport. The airport will reimburse the city $20.11 per hour for specialized police officers and lease a police vehicle for $1,200/month. Passed unanimously.
• Rezoning700 East Broad (Item8): Rezoned the former Stone Studio building from Warehouse (W) to Limited Manufacturing (M1) for a custom cabinet and woodworking shop. No opposition. Passed three readings unanimously.
• Rezoning East Ninth Street Parcel (Item9): Rezoned a VFW-area parcel from Single-Family Residential (R2) to Open Display Commercial (C3) for a farm store. No opposition. Passed three readings unanimously.
• Entertainment District Amendments (Item10): An ordinance to ban consumption of alcohol purchased outside the district and to remove Rock House Liquor from the district boundaries. The action follows a joint workshop with the Planning Commission. Debate focused on enforcement and whether removing Rock House Liquor would solve tailgate party issues. The ordinance passed second and third readings with Director Jewell opposing, but the final adoption vote was 7-0. An emergency clause was attached (5-2, with Directors Harris and Jewell opposed).

Key Outcomes

• Assistant Mayor: Director Ulysses Brewer was unanimously elected as assistant mayor for a one-year term.
• Service Awards: Recognized employees for10–25 years of service.
• Youth Recognition: Bright Futures youth group from TASD recognized.
• Historic District Commission: Jeff Brown and Michael Hendricks were reappointed to three-year terms.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for Tuesday, January20, 2026, due to the federal holiday on January19.
• Board Commentary: Director Jewell raised water billing complaints from constituents; City Manager Gary G. explained new, more accurate meters may cause higher bills and offered to investigate individual cases. Director Brewer requested a workshop on alternative housing types. Director Jewell asked about the Seba Street bridge closure; the city is awaiting an update from ARDOT and exploring temporary options.
• Amendments: Director Brewer attempted to rescind his vote on the rules of order but was not allowed as the item had already passed.