Texarkana Board of Directors Meeting - February 3, 2026

The Texarkana Board of Directors met on February 3, 2026. The meeting included a citizen complaint regarding illegal dumping, employee service awards, a performance presentation from LifeNet EMS, and the approval of several resolutions. Director Smith was absent from the initial roll call but participated in later votes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Reverend Clinton T. Brewster addressed the board about illegal trash dumping at his property on Booker Street. He noted the Texarkana Police Department had a history with the repeat offenders. Rev. Brewster urged the board to implement stricter accountability measures for repeat offenders.

Presentations

• Employee Service Awards: Six employees were recognized for service milestones. Awardees present included Lynn Kilgore (Public Works, 20 years), Joshua Moore (Fire Dept, 10 years), and a Texarkana Water Utilities employee (15 years).
• LifeNet EMS Report: CEO Alicia Moore presented annual performance data for the city's ambulance provider. Highlights included nearly 4,000 ambulance requests, a 93% response time compliance rate, a 91% patient satisfaction rating, and a 21% cardiac arrest survival rate. New equipment, a paramedic starting salary of $70,000, and high school training programs were detailed. Director Roberts inquired about fire department co-response rates, and Director Harris asked about paramedic training requirements.

Consent Calendar

• Items 5 and 6 were approved unanimously. Item 5 authorized a contract with RBIS LLC for the Jackson Street water line replacement. Item 6 authorized a Microsoft Enterprise Licensing Agreement with Tier 4 Technologies. Items 3 (minutes) and 4 (Spears Engineering contract) were removed by Director Harris for separate discussion.

Discussion Items

• Item 3 - Minutes: Director Harris expressed concern that the minutes of the previous meeting did not include his statements and a citizen's comments at the end of the meeting, stating this created an incomplete historical record. The city attorney clarified that minutes record board actions, not verbatim transcripts. The minutes were approved 5-1, with Director Harris voting in opposition.
• Item 4 - Spears Engineering Contract: Director Harris questioned whether Sanderson Lane would remain a concrete street, worrying the design phase could alter the surface type. The city manager stated the preliminary expectation was for concrete, but the design phase would determine specifics. The $293,063 contract for the design of the 2025 Street Bond Rehab projects was approved unanimously 6-0.
• City Prosecutor Contract: The board approved an amended legal services agreement for City Prosecutor Eric Marks, raising annual compensation to $80,000. City Manager Tyler noted the raise was justified by a significant increase in fine collections, from $650,000 in 2023 to over $1 million in 2024. The resolution passed unanimously 6-0.

Board Commentary

• Director Roberts announced the passing of Mickey Stewart and his public services.
• Director Holabish thanked the SWEPCO maintenance team for storm preparation work.
• Mayor Brown announced the next regular meeting would be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Items 5 and 6 approved.
• Minutes: Approved 5-1.
• Spears Engineering Contract: Approved 6-0 for street rehab design.
• City Prosecutor Contract: Approved 6-0 with salary increase.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for February 17, 2026.