Regular Meeting of the Texarkana Arkansas Board of Directors

At its regular meeting on June 1, 2026, the Texarkana Arkansas Board of Directors considered consent agenda items, including approval of minutes and purchase of a mobile adoption trailer, and discussed a shade structure purchase via Sourcewell. The board authorized financing for a new fire pumper apparatus and approved a bond issuance for capital improvements and refunding. Two rezoning requests were approved. Board members addressed constituent concerns, including housing repair, water park safety, and maintenance issues. The board appointed Rachel Scott to the Advertising and Promotion Commission.

Presentations

• Employee service award presented to Christopher King of TAPD for 20 years of service.

Consent Calendar

• Item 2: Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of May 18, 2026. Approved.
• Item 4: Resolution authorizing purchase of a mobile adoption trailer from Hartstra Manufacturing LLC for the Animal Care and Adoption Center. Approved.
• Item 3 (shade structure) was pulled from the consent calendar and considered separately.

Discussion Items

• Shade Structure at Ingram Park (Item 3): Resolution to authorize the city manager to enter into a purchase agreement with ACS Playground Adventures for a shade structure at Ingram Park, acquired through Sourcewell (a government buy board), at a total cost of $43,522.53, funded from the Community Development Block Grant public facilities line item. Director Jewel questioned the process and whether the city was receiving the best price; staff explained Sourcewell's bidding process and expressed confidence in the quotes. The resolution passed with a roll call vote of 6-1 (Director Harris opposed).
• Fire Pumper Apparatus (Item 5): Chief Fletcher presented the need for a new fire pumper apparatus to replace an aging reserve truck. The cost is $675,384, to be financed through Government Capital Corporation for 10 years with annual payments of $88,782.39 starting June 2027. The purchase is through the HGAC buy board. Director Jewel confirmed multiple quotes were obtained. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Bond Issuance for Capital Improvements and Refunding (Item 6): Ordinance authorizing issuance of limited tax general obligation capital improvement and refunding bonds (Series 2026) in the amount of approximately $29,489,540.45. Proceeds will refund 2012 bonds ($1,139,000), fund street improvements ($461,000+), and drainage improvements ($4,182,000). The bonds are supported by a 5 mil ad valorem tax, mature 2028–2051, and are sold to Stevens Inc. with Bank of OZK as trustee. The ordinance passed three readings and was adopted with an emergency clause.
• Rezoning at 48 Big Rock Circle (Item 7): Ordinance to rezone property from R1 rural residential to A1 limited mixed use to allow construction of a storage structure before a house. No opposition. Passed with emergency clause.
• Rezoning at 1206 Phillips Lane (Item 8): Ordinance to rezone property from M1 limited manufacturing to R3 low density residential, correcting a previous rezoning error. No opposition. Passed.

Board Commentary

• Director Harris raised multiple issues: need for a housing repair program and housing study; questions about a $1 million bond requirement for demolition contractors (staff clarified it is a state requirement); request for monthly safety reports from the local water park following a drowning death; concerns about creek cleaning, roundup herbicide use, overgrowth, drainage, and park maintenance. He also requested a mitigation plan for flooding in Jones Creek and noted a pile of dirt at Hobo Park. He referenced emails sent to the city manager.
• Assistant Mayor Brewer discussed the history of the Advertising and Promotion (AMP) Commission and the need for a workshop to address outstanding questions about AMP funding and operations. She asked about enforcement and transparency. Mayor noted that a workshop was held and that AMP commission meetings are open; the application deadline for funding is June 9. Director Harris asked about the possibility of voter repeal of the AMP tax through a ballot initiative and requested legal clarification.

Key Outcomes

• Consent items 2 and 4 approved.
• Shade structure purchase approved (6-1).
• Fire pumper apparatus financing approved (unanimous).
• Bond issuance ordinance adopted with emergency clause.
• Rezoning ordinances adopted with emergency clauses.
• Rachel Scott appointed to the AMP Commission to fill the unexpired term of Allison Wright (term through 2027).
• Meeting adjourned after roll call vote.