Texas County, Arkansas Board of Directors Regular Meeting - March 16, 2026

The Texas County, Arkansas Board of Directors met on March 16, 2026, to discuss and act on several agenda items, including airport infrastructure projects, demolition of the juvenile detention center, police presence requirements for public events, and updates to the city's purchasing policy. Key decisions included approvals of engineering agreements for taxiway widening and JDC demolition, establishment of police staffing fees based on crowd size, and adoption of a revised purchasing ordinance.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the minutes of the rescheduled March 2, 2026, regular meeting by unanimous vote. A resolution authorizing a grant application for East Ninth Street sidewalk improvements was removed from the consent calendar for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• During the citizens' communication period, no members of the public addressed the board.
• Later in the meeting, audience member Miss Percy inquired about items already removed from the juvenile detention center (JDC), such as the chain-link fence and air conditioning, which had been salvaged by Miller County for use at the airport armory.

Discussion Items

• East Ninth Street Sidewalk Grant: Director Harris questioned whether the city manager would pursue additional sidewalk projects along East Street and Division Street that are included in the MPO plan. The city manager indicated that no additional grants are being sought this year due to lack of funds. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Airport Taxiway Widening (Resolution 3): The board considered a resolution authorizing the airport director to enter an agreement with Garver Engineering for the design and administration of widening Taxiway B and D and converting Runway 13, at a cost not to exceed $773,200. The project is funded 95% by FAA grants and 5% by the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics, with no local match. Construction is estimated to begin in early 2027. Director Harris asked about the bidding process and ensuring local contractor opportunities. The board approved the resolution.
• JDC Demolition – Engineering Services (Resolution 4): The board debated a resolution to authorize $82,100 for Garver Engineering to administer the demolition of the juvenile detention center on airport property. Director Harris expressed strong opposition, arguing that the building could serve local youth detention needs, and requested that the city seek an exemption from the FAA to preserve the building. A motion to table the resolution failed (2 yeas, 4 nays). The board voted to approve the resolution (5-1, with Director Harris dissenting).
• JDC Demolition – Bid Solicitation (Resolution 5): A companion resolution authorized $317,900 for Garver Engineering to seek bids for the demolition. Director Harris reiterated his concerns about losing the facility. The board approved 5-1.
• Police Presence Requirements (Resolution 6): The board approved a resolution establishing minimum police officer staffing for public events based on crowd size, with hourly rates ranging from $55.73 for regular officers to $83.52 for lieutenants. Crowds under 500 require one officer; 500-1,000 require two; over 1,000 require one per 500 persons. Applicants may hire their own security, subject to police approval, as long as they meet the same staffing ratios.
• Purchasing Policy Update (Resolution 7): The board adopted an ordinance amending Ordinance M59 to update the city’s purchasing policy, including raising the pre-approval threshold from $500 to $2,500, adding language to prevent splitting purchases to avoid approval, and clarifying invoice versus requisition processes. The ordinance passed on three readings and an emergency clause was attached.
• TSA Staff Support: During the meeting, board members discussed the impact of the federal government shutdown on local TSA agents, who have not received pay. The city is coordinating food donations and encouraged community members to provide gift cards or fuel cards through the TSA office.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the minutes of March 2, 2026 (unanimous).
• Approved the East Ninth Street sidewalk grant application resolution (unanimous).
• Approved the airport taxiway widening engineering agreement (unanimous).
• Approved the JDC demolition engineering agreement (5-1, Director Harris dissenting).
• Approved the JDC demolition bid solicitation agreement (5-1, Director Harris dissenting).
• Approved the police presence requirements resolution (unanimous).
• Adopted the purchasing policy ordinance on three readings with an emergency clause (unanimous).