Texarkana (Arkansas) A&P Commission Meeting - July 21, 2026

The Texarkana Arkansas A&P Commission met on July 21, 2026, to discuss funding proposals, tourism marketing updates, enforcement of delinquent taxes, and a potential sports complex. Key decisions included scheduling a single funding meeting for October, moving forward with hiring a tourism director, and authorizing legal research on tax enforcement. The meeting began with a prayer and pledge, followed by roll call establishing a quorum.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously by a voice vote.

Discussion Items

• West Crenshaw Workshop Request: West Crenshaw (401 Wood Street, Texarkana, AR) requested a special workshop on July 28 to present a proposal for a community communications hub using his Class A television station (Channel 35). He explained that recent FCC streaming auctions would eliminate free TV channels, and his station could serve as a hub for local events, nonprofits, and emergency alerts at no cost to the city, covering up to a 30-mile radius with streaming and an app. Commissioner Jewell noted the proposal included a request for $6,500 per month (approx. $78,000/year) for power costs. Some commissioners expressed concern about setting a precedent, and Mr. Crenshaw was allowed 15 minutes to present his bullet points. A motion to schedule the workshop on July 28 failed due to lack of a second. It was clarified that the next funding opportunity is in October 2026 after applications open August 1.
• For All Brand Kind (FABK) Marketing Update: Danny Hamblett and Tracy Pittman of FABK (ad agency for the commission under Experience Texarkana brand) presented their 2026 goals and results. Key metrics included: 7,300 outbound clicks to partner businesses (260% increase from prior year), 4 million total paid ad impressions, 860,700 people reached on Meta, and 25,700 households reached via streaming TV. They discussed the need for a potential tourism director to handle face-to-face convention presence, sports recruiting, and grants, noting that other Arkansas AMPs (e.g., Eureka Springs) have such roles. Commissioner Dodson questioned the lack of promotion of Texarkana Arkansas at the recent air show; FABK clarified that co-branding occurred and suggested future improvements.
• 2027 Funding Schedule: Tyler (city staff) outlined the application timeline: applications open August 1 and close August 28. The commission discussed whether to hold a separate workshop (for questions) and then a decision meeting, or a single meeting to hear all presentations and vote. After a roll call, the commission voted 3-2 in favor of a single meeting in October (with an early 2:30 PM start) to streamline the process.
• Delinquent A&P Taxes: Tyler reported ongoing efforts to address delinquent tax payments. Currently, the city cannot revoke certificates of occupancy for nonpayment. A motion was made and passed unanimously to have the city attorney research legal enforcement options, with direction to report findings at the October meeting.
• Sports Complex Concept: Commissioner Dodson presented a slide deck suggesting a sports complex (volleyball, pickleball, basketball, baseball, swimming, ice rink) to attract tournaments and boost tourism. He referenced his children’s AAU travel experiences and noted the region’s geographic advantages (I-30, I-49). Tyler provided data from the Swanger Sports Complex (Texas side) showing a 61% increase in visitors, a 431% increase in visitors from >100 miles away, and a 45% increase in hotel visits after its opening. A one-weekend tournament on the Arkansas side at Edward Park generated 1,757 hotel visitors (1,100 on Arkansas side) out of 7,000 total visitors – nearly half of all visitors from all other A&P-funded events combined. Commissioner Mills advocated for setting aside annual reserves for long-term capital investments. The commission did not vote on a new project but noted the numbers for future consideration.
• Downtown Maintenance Concerns: A commissioner (unidentified but speaking from the board) raised issues with knee-high grass and trash in downtown Texarkana Arkansas. City Manager Tyler stated that A&P funds cannot lawfully be used for general city maintenance (e.g., lawn care, trash pickup). He suggested pursuing community service programs through the district court. Commissioner Jewell asked if A&P could contract an outside vendor; the attorney noted legal constraints. The discussion ended without a formal motion.
• Commission Vacancy: The chair declared a vacancy on the commission (hotel industry seat). It was noted that a previous applicant was disqualified after it was discovered she lived in Hooks, Texas, not Texarkana Arkansas. Staff will advertise the vacancy.

Key Outcomes

• Workshop request failed: Motion to schedule a July 28 workshop for West Crenshaw failed (no second).
• 2027 funding format: Approved a single joint workshop/decision meeting in October (3-2 vote).
• Tax enforcement research: Motion passed unanimously to have the city attorney explore legal options for delinquent A&P tax collection.
• Tourism director recruitment: Motion passed unanimously to move forward with creating a job description, researching salary benchmarks from comparable Arkansas AMPs, and reporting back at a special called meeting before October.
• Air show next date: July 1, 2028 was confirmed for the next air show (every two years).
• Adjournment: Motion passed unanimously.