Texarkana, Arkansas Board of Directors Meeting – October 19, 2026

The Texarkana, Arkansas Board of Directors met on October 19, 2026, at approximately 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building Boardroom. After roll call, Assistant Mayor Brewer and Directors Jewel, Roberts, and Harris were present. The board issued two proclamations, approved consent items, discussed and approved an airport demolition contract, and held a public hearing before placing liens on seven overgrown lots. No citizens requested to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the regular meeting on October 5, 2026, and the special called meeting on October 13, 2026.
• Adopted a resolution authorizing the Central Records and Communication Manager to purchase replacement computers.
• Adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a contract with Dixie Overland Construction for the North Texarkana wastewater treatment plant expansion project.

The consent items were approved together by roll call vote, with Assistant Mayor Brewer and Directors Jewel, Roberts, and Harris voting yes.

Proclamations

• Assistant Mayor Ulysses Brewer proclaimed October 18–24, 2026 as Black Restaurant Week, honoring black-owned restaurants and encouraging residents and visitors to support black-owned food establishments in Texarkana and surrounding areas during special menus, promotions, and experiences.
• The board proclaimed October 23–31, 2026 as Red Ribbon Week under the 2026 national theme 'Make a Difference, Be a Hero, Stay Drug Free,' encouraging citizens, families, and businesses to display red ribbons and take part in drug-prevention education activities.
• A proposed second proclamation related to November business appreciation was raised and then scratched before action was taken.

Discussion Items

• Airport demolition contract: The board pulled this item for questions. Board members asked why Francis Excavating LC's low bid of $60,000 was far below the second-lowest bid—nearly double that amount—and below the engineer's estimate. Staff responded that Garver Engineering reviewed the bids and found no errors, that Francis Excavating is experienced and capable, and that staff were confident the work would be completed. A board member also asked staff to contact the family of Lance Lord, a former tax assessor for 46 years, about interest in a sign at the site; staff agreed to handle that outreach. The board then adopted the resolution authorizing the Texarkana Regional Airport to accept the bid and enter into a contract for demolition of the juvenile detention center and tree removal. Bids had been opened on September 15, 2026; three qualified bids were received; the contract amount is $60,000 and will be paid from a state of Arkansas grant. The roll call vote carried with Assistant Mayor Brewer and Directors Jewel, Roberts, and Harris voting yes.
• Liens on seven overgrown lots: The board conducted a public hearing on placing liens on seven overgrown lots. Staff said the properties were cleaned up by the city, similar to cleanups presented earlier this year. The board adopted a resolution placing liens on the properties. The resolution stated that notice was given under Arkansas Code § 14-54-904 more than 30 days before the October 19, 2026, 6 p.m. hearing. The lien for each parcel is the city's cleanup expense plus a 10% penalty, as listed in Exhibit A, and the amounts are certified to the Miller County, Arkansas tax collector to be placed on the tax books as delinquent taxes.

Board Commentary

• Director Harris clarified that board members serve pro bono and receive no salary. He said Arkansas state law based on the city's population prevents compensation for board service, and that any change would likely require voter approval.

Key Outcomes

• Proclaimed Black Restaurant Week and Red Ribbon Week.
• Approved the consent agenda, including the minutes, computer purchase resolution, and wastewater treatment plant construction contract.
• Approved the airport demolition contract with Francis Excavating LC for $60,000.
• Placed liens on seven overgrown lots and certified the lien amounts to the Miller County tax collector.
• Asked staff to follow up with Lance Lord's family about the sign before demolition.
• Adjourned after a roll call vote.