Texarkana City Council Meeting - May 18, 2026

The Texarkana City Council met on May 18, 2026, to address a range of topics including AMP commission funding discrepancies, a controversial water park funding decision, citizen concerns about proposed data centers, and approval of a major airport construction project. The meeting featured extensive public testimony and council debate over transparency and fairness in funding allocations.

Consent Calendar

• Approved six consent agenda items unanimously, including:
  • Approval of minutes from May 4, 2026.
  • Resolution for interim airport director to enter FAA reimbursement agreement (up to $895,000) for navigational aids.
  • Two resolutions for McClelland Consulting Engineering contracts for runway 4-22 extension overlay and taxiway extension (amounts not to exceed $79,743 and $625,000, respectively, paid from federal and state grants).
  • Resolution for KSA PAP Dawson Camp Company market study and appraisal for aeronautical land (not to exceed $29,495).
  • Resolution for Millwood water treatment plant sludge pond cleaning (not to exceed $412,300, with Arkansas portion $161,497).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ulysses Brewer (Assistant Mayor): Presented a detailed proposal to fix AMP commission bylaws, citing two discrepancies: who controls the agenda and early funding outside the October cycle. He offered two options: restrict funding to October only with required published notice, or shift funding to March starting 2028 via an offset year. He emphasized transparency and accountability, and urged community feedback via his Facebook page.
• Rhonda Dolberry (Co-founder, Juneteenth Scholars): Stated that her organization had timely applied for 2026 AMP funding but was told no funds were available, only later learning that other applicants received early funding. She called for fairness and equal treatment.
• Jesse Darby Tillis (Local Comic Con organizer, AMP board member): Argued the issue is not bylaws but selective enforcement. He cited examples where local events like Juneteenth and the symphony were denied funding while the water park received $181,000. He criticized the lack of notification and questioned the water park's track record.
• Natalie Romanik: Raised concerns about proposed data centers, specifically regarding the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. She questioned permits, water extraction rates, impact studies, and potential eminent domain issues. She urged contacting Texas A&M, state wildlife agencies, and the SEC regarding land purchases.
• Carol Lindy (Mother and teacher): Opposed data centers, citing nationwide moratoriums and examples of negative impacts in Georgia, Memphis, Lake Tahoe, and Utah. She called for a moratorium or ban, citing health, water, noise, and financial burdens on residents.
• Paige Buck Heltner: Presented a petition with 2,526 signatures against data centers, $684+ in contributions, and 40 written comments. She distributed packets to council members.

Discussion Items

• AMP Commission Bylaws and Funding: Council debated the process for early funding requests. Ulysses Brewer acknowledged the process is broken and proposed changes. Tyler (staff) clarified that commissioners, not staff, control the agenda. Several council members expressed frustration over the lack of notification to regular applicants and perceived favoritism toward the water park over established local events like Juneteenth and Catfish & Crawdads.
• Water Park Funding and Property Sale: A deed filed May 15, 2026, showed the water park property transferred to Strata Recreation Holdings (Canton, TX) for $10. Council members questioned the transaction and urged suspending the $181,000 AMP award until due diligence. The applicant was identified as P23 Consulting. Tyler stated money remains in the general fund and can be withheld.
• Data Centers: Citizens voiced strong opposition. Council members noted the concerns but lacked answers; they suggested citizens provide documented questions to staff.
• Airport Construction: The council approved a $15,786,713 construction contract with Tatum Excavating Company for runway 4-22 extension, overlay, and taxiway extension. The project is to start July 6, 2026, and be completed by May 2027. Funding comes from FAA, state grants, and $1,458,137 city match.
• Franklin Street Bridge: Council inquired about the status. The city manager reported that the state recommends full reconstruction, which may not begin until December 2027. The city requested permission to demolish and install a temporary crossing but was told it would not be reimbursed.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda adopted unanimously.
• Airport construction resolution adopted unanimously (5-0).
• AMP commitment: Council members indicated that if local applicants submit for early funding, a special AMP meeting will be convened to consider them, though approval is not guaranteed.
• Water park funding: Council called for a halt to any payments until the ownership and deed issues are resolved. A special AMP meeting is expected to address this.
• Data centers: Council took no action but acknowledged citizen concerns and agreed to accept written documentation.
• Bridge: No formal action was taken; further discussions with state officials are expected.