Texture County, Arkansas Board of Directors Regular Meeting - October 5, 2026

The Texture County Board of Directors held a regular meeting on October 5, 2026. Key topics included a major water supply project presentation, approval of the TWU and airport budgets, a private club application, and a discussion on the meeting agenda formulation process.

Public Comments and Testimony

• Richard spoke in support of Issue 3 on the state ballot, urging the board to support the initiative. He cited successful economic development projects in the city funded by similar financial vehicles.
• Mr. Montgomery expressed three concerns: the Sebra Street bridge repair timeline, the absence of lighting in Bramble Park (a recurring issue), and a misdirected streetlight at Ferguson and Garfield Streets. He stated the park is "100% dark". City Manager Tyler stated the park lighting would be explored for inclusion in the budget.
• An unidentified resident complained about excessive noise from semi-truck Jake brakes on the interstate between Jefferson and Fairgrounds Park, requesting a sign or ordinance. The City Manager agreed to look into the matter and contact the district highway representative.
• A public hearing was held for the Byrne JAG grant; no public questions were raised.

Discussion Items

Millwood Lake Water Supply Project Presentation

• City Manager Tyler presented a project to sell excess water rights from Millwood Lake. The city holds 150 million gallons a day (MGD) in rights, while current demand is 7 MGD. The last 100 MGD of rights cost the city $540,000 per year regardless of use.
• Proposal: Sell up to 110 MGD to Heartland Water Partners for use in Texas. Heartland would finance the pipeline and intake upgrades at no cost to the city. The city would retain 40 MGD, exceeding projected 2050 demand by 4.3 times.
• Financials: Potential annual revenue of $16 to 20 million. Includes $500,000 reservation payments upon application and state approval.
• Environmental Review: A study by Spheros Environmental found no significant impact to the lake or downstream releases. The water currently flows unused into the Gulf of Mexico.
• Timeline: Application to ANRC by end of October. Legislative approval anticipated March/April 2027. A special called meeting is tentatively planned for October 13, 2026, to approve the authorizing resolution.
• Director Harris asked clarifying questions about the buyer and referenced a clause from the 2016 water rights contract regarding citizen benefit. The City Manager noted the revenue could offset future water rates but bond obligations prevent immediate rate reductions.

TWU FY2027 Budget

• Staff presented the budget. Highlights include the near-completion of the AMI project (95 percent, 13,539 meters installed), a proposed 1 percent salary increase for employees, and the elimination of 10 positions. The fund balance is projected to decrease from 125 to 77 days of reserves to fund infrastructure projects.
• Director Harris raised concerns about explaining higher bills from the more accurate AMI meters to constituents.
• Director Smith questioned the water loss rate; TWU reported system loss around 30 percent, which is below the state average.

Airport FY2027 Budgets

• Director Russ presented the capital and operations budgets. The O&M budget has a $1,017,523 deficit ($455,952 Arkansas side, $561,571 Texas side). The capital budget has a $472 deficit.
• Metrics (August): Operations: 1,584. Enplanements: 2,852. Parking Revenue: $40,457. Rental Car Revenue: $35,615. Fuel Flowage: 46,565 gallons.
• Progress on a MRO (expected 150-160 jobs by the end of the decade) and the Signature contract renewal (expires September 2027) were discussed. A rent study is currently underway.

Ordinance on Meeting Agenda Formulation (Item 11)

• Director Harris sponsored an ordinance to remove the requirement for a second board member endorsement to overcome a city manager's denial of a board member's agenda item. He argued elected officials should not have to "jump through hoops" to place items for constituents.
• City Manager and City Attorney Josh stated the issue has been a lack of sufficient information to draft legal ordinances, not a desire to block items. They noted a prior item from Harris could not be drafted due to insufficient information.
• The ordinance was tabled (Motion passed 5-1) pending inclusion of a vetting clause requiring review by the city attorney.

Consent Calendar

• Items 3 (Minutes from September 21) and 4 (Detention Basin Contract) were approved.
• Item 5 (Change Order #2 for Street Rehab) was removed at Director Harris's request for discussion. It was later approved unanimously (7-0).

Key Outcomes

• Private Club Approval (Salty Pilot): Second and third reading of the ordinance granting prerequisite municipal approval passed unanimously (7-0).
• TWU Budget: Resolution approving the FY2027 budget passed unanimously (7-0).
• Airport Budgets: Capital and Operations budgets approved unanimously (7-0).
• Byrne JAG Grant: Resolution approved. City share ($14,748) will be used for body armor (7-0).
• Agenda Formulation Ordinance: Tabled (5-1) pending further revision by the city attorney.
• Board Commentary: City Manager Tyler was asked to explore housing grants through ATC OG, arrange a meeting with Union Pacific Railroad, and provide information on the National Night Out event locations.
• Next Meeting: Regular meeting scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2026.