Texarkana Board of Directors Meeting - March 3, 2026

The Texarkana Board of Directors met on March 3, 2026. The meeting included employee service awards, unanimous approval of the consent agenda, and adoption of an ordinance reducing fees for Front Street Festival Plaza to attract more events. Board members discussed the fee changes and upcoming police presence requirements. The meeting concluded with board commentary and an executive session to appoint a board of adjustments member.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the rescheduled regular meeting on February 17, 2026.
• Authorized the city manager to contract with Holistic Utility Solutions for the non-revenue water reduction phase two dashboard and analytics project.
• Authorized the city manager to contract with Plumber and Associates for the state-line quarter field investigation and coordination project serving Texarkana, Arkansas and Texarkana, Texas.

Front Street Festival Plaza Fee Reduction Ordinance

• Staff member Tracy Lee presented the ordinance, noting that the current high fees resulted in only two paid events last year, generating $6,475 in revenue. The proposed fee reductions aim to make the venue more marketable.
• Current vs. Proposed Fees:
  • Daily rental (all areas): Current $2,000 (for-profit)/$1,500 (non-profit) reduced to $1,000/$750.
  • Half-day rental: Current $1,200/$900 reduced to $600/$450.
  • Daily rental without stage: Current $1,000/$800 reduced to $500/$400.
  • Half-day without stage: Current $750/$500 reduced to $375/$250.
  • Cleanup fee: Reduced from $500 to $0, as the city no longer provides cleanup services.
  • Security deposit: For-profit remains $500; non-profit reduced from $500 to $300 (as stated during the meeting).
• Board members discussed the impact of removing the cleanup fee and the potential need for mandated police presence. Director Smith raised concerns about over-policing, and staff responded that a separate proposal for police presence based on crowd size will be considered at the next board meeting. Mayor Brown expressed support for proactive police presence.
• The ordinance passed through first and second readings with a 6-1 vote (Director Jewel opposed). On the third reading, the same 6-1 vote was recorded. However, the final adoption vote was unanimous (7-0), with Director Jewel voting in favor.

Board Commentary

• Mayor Brown encouraged residents to vote on the Texarkana School District millage increase, noting that the last day to vote was March 4, 2026.
• Director Roberts announced the passing of former board member Barbara Minor, who served two terms representing Ward 5.

Executive Session

• The board moved into executive session to make an appointment to the Board of Adjustments. (No further details are available.)

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously.
• Ordinance amending Front Street Festival Plaza fees was adopted (7-0).
• A proposal for mandatory police presence at public events will be brought to the next board meeting.
• The board adjourned to executive session to appoint a member to the Board of Adjustments.