Texas County, Arkansas Board of Directors Regular Meeting

The regular meeting of the Texas County, Arkansas Board of Directors was held on May 4, 2026, at 23:00 UTC. The meeting opened with roll call, invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Employee service awards were presented (though recipients were absent), and a proclamation was read recognizing City Clerk's Week (May 3–9, 2026). The board addressed the consent calendar, discussed a contested audit engagement letter, heard board member commentary on law enforcement practices and grant funding fairness, and received a city manager report on a community grocery survey.

Consent Calendar

• Item 3: Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of April 20, 2026. Approved by voice vote.
• Item 5: Resolution to award the engineering contract to Spears Engineering Company LLC for the design of 2025 street bond rehab projects (Broadmoor Drive, Lone Oak Avenue, Pence and Drive). Approved by voice vote.
• Item 6: Resolution to amend Resolution 2026-17, adding Washington Street to the contract with Spears Engineering. Approved by voice vote.
• Item 4 (audit engagement letter) was pulled from the consent calendar for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the board.

Discussion Items

• Item 4 – 2025 Audit Engagement Letter with Forvis Mazars LLP: The board considered a one‑year engagement at $127,000 (a 3% increase from 2024) plus up to $10,000 for a major program audit under uniform guidance and $3,000 for lease/SBITA testing. Director Harris questioned the lack of competitive bidding, noting the firm’s fees had risen from $89,000 to approximately $138,000 over ten years, and expressed a preference for the state to perform the audit at no cost. The mayor and staff explained that few firms handle municipal appended audits, that the state cannot perform appended audits required for bonding, and that the firm has never exceeded its contracted amount. The resolution was adopted by a roll‑call vote of 4‑1, with Director Harris voting no.
• A&P Grant Funding Process: Director Harris raised concerns about the perceived unfairness of the Advertising and Promotion (A&P) Commission’s decisions. He noted that the public was told no grant funding was available for 2026, yet the commission later approved $15,000 for a fishing tournament. Other board members echoed concerns about transparency. Staff clarified that the commission paused new applications for 2026 to rebuild fund balances but entertained a few late requests. The commission will open applications for 2027 funding later in 2026. Director Harris urged the board to ensure the process appears fair.
• State Police on Private Property: Director Harris asked whether Arkansas State Troopers need permission from a business owner to park on private property and write tickets, referencing a location on 9th Street near a Chick‑of‑Fish restaurant. No immediate answer was provided; the matter was noted for follow‑up.
• College Hill Grocery Survey: City Manager Tyler reported that a committee (city, Chamber, and community members) developed a survey to assess needs and desires for a grocery store in the College Hill area. Physical copies are available at City Hall, Life House Church, and Boone Ministries, and an online version is accessible via a QR code. The survey will remain open for a couple of weeks. Director Harris objected that he was not initially included on the committee; a Chamber representative stated they had reached out to him. Harris agreed to attend the next committee meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar items 3, 5, and 6 adopted by voice vote.
• Resolution accepting the 2025 audit engagement letter with Forvis Mazars LLP passed 4‑1.
• The board directed staff to provide additional information on item 4 regarding combining the airport audit and past fee history.
• The board will move to executive session to consider reappointments to the Airport Authority and an appointment to the A&P Commission.