Texas County Board of Directors Regular Meeting - September 8, 2026

The Texas County Board of Directors met on September 8, 2026, with Mayor Brown absent and Assistant Mayor Brewer presiding. The meeting began with a prayer and pledge. Items included employee service awards, consent agenda approvals, a public hearing on overgrown lots liens, approval of financing for a fire truck, and board commentary on street parking and train blockage issues.

Presentations

• City employee service awards were announced for Navon Blackwell (10 years), Melanie Barrett (5 years), Marcus Gilliam Jr. (10 years), and Tiffany McCurry (5 years). None of the recipients were present.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from August 17, 2026 regular meeting.
• Adoption of resolution awarding engineering contract to Spear Spears Engineering, LLC for the design of 2025 street bond rehabilitation projects on Meadowview Drive, Pine Trail Street, East 15th, East 37th, and North Northern Hills Drive.
• Adoption of resolution authorizing city manager to enter construction contract with Francis Excavating for Lone Oak Avenue, Broadmore Drive, and Pence and Drive Rehabilitation Projects.
• Adoption of resolution authorizing city manager to enter construction contract with "contact contractors" for Sammy Lane, Forest Street, Harris Lane, and Rocky Creek Road Rehabilitation Projects.
• All consent items passed unanimously.

Public Hearing and Action on Overgrown Lots

• A public hearing was conducted regarding placing liens on 17 overgrown lots. The hearing was closed with no questions or concerns.
• A resolution was read and adopted by roll call (6-0) to certify the lien amounts to the Miller County Tax Collector for collection as delinquent taxes.

Fire Truck Financing Ordinance

• Chief Fletcher presented an ordinance accepting a proposal from Commercial National Bank for financing the purchase of a pumper fire truck.
• Three bids were received: Commercial National Bank at 3.75%, Government Capital at 4.69%, and Farmers at 6.25%. The board discussed the process of seeking proposals, noting it was not legally required but done for the city's best interest.
• The ordinance was read three times and adopted unanimously by roll call (6-0). An emergency clause was attached and approved (6-0).

Board Commentary

• Director Roberts inquired about a scheduled cleanup day on the coming Saturday, organized by Pastor Owens, meeting at the recreation center.
• Director Jewell raised a constituent complaint about a neighbor using the city street as personal parking with multiple vehicles. He suggested exploring an ordinance similar to West Memphis, Springdale, or Fort Smith that prohibits overnight or residential street parking. He recommended a workshop on the issue in the near future.
• Director Harris discussed the ongoing problem of trains blocking multiple streets in his ward (Seabus, Panhurst, Oak). He reported attending a National Eagle City meeting in Washington DC in March, where a White House representative indicated $200-$300 million in federal funds available to address such issues. He emailed the city manager but was told a study would be needed. Director Harris proposed using engineers from existing street bond projects for a pro bono study or reallocating CDBG grant writer salary to free up funds. He urged the board to pursue the opportunity. The city manager noted the project is highly specialized and likely requires hundreds of thousands of dollars for a study before grant funds could be obtained.

Key Outcomes

• Employee service awards presented (certificates to be signed and passed to council).
• Consent agenda items approved unanimously.
• Resolution to place liens on 17 overgrown lots adopted.
• Ordinance for fire truck financing from Commercial National Bank adopted with emergency clause.
• City Manager Tyler announced he is leaving on vacation the next day and will return the following Tuesday.
• Next regular meeting scheduled for September 21, 2026.
• Motion to adjourn passed.