Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Texarkana public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
42 issues with high priority
Mayoral Election Results
Texarkana, Arkansas has a new mayor: Tammy Waters beat Council Member Laney Harris with 69% of the vote. It’s a decisive win that could shift city priorities, so expect the new administration to start putting its stamp on local decisions.
Drive-thru rezoning request at 209 W 38th Street
A property owner wants to rezone 209 W 38th Street to General Retail to operate a drive-thru window. The spot is surrounded by apartments and single-family homes, and staff say the city's Future Land Use Map calls for Neighborhood Residential here, so they're recommending denial.
Multifamily and retail development on South Bishop Road
A 13-acre tract at 2014 S. Bishop was rezoned to allow multifamily housing and general retail, opening the door to new apartments and shops in Ward 2.
CDBG grant funding
A contract with JSG Homes, LLC was scheduled for consideration to reconstruct three homes under the state HOME Program, putting federal housing dollars to work locally.
Firefighter Contract Arbitration
Texarkana’s firefighters and the city couldn’t agree on a contract, so the dispute is going to arbitration. The outcome could shape firefighter pay, staffing levels, and how much the city spends on fire services.
Sunset Apartments redevelopment and accessibility
Ledge Capital wants the city's blessing to chase 4% low-income housing tax credits to rehab the 150-unit Sunset Apartments — $8.3 million in renovations with all units staying affordable. The formal no-objection vote comes June 8.
Waco Street Reconstruction Project
The council approved a $2.6 million contract with Stan Excavating to rebuild Waco Street, paid from the 2022 bond fund voters approved.
Waste Management Contract Extension
The five-year contract extension keeps Waste Management as the city's hauler but ends its construction-dumpster exclusivity by March 1, 2028, letting small local haulers compete. Local operators pushed for a faster timeline.
Employee Health Insurance Cost Increases
Keeping United Healthcare for medical and dental costs the city about $1.8 million more than last year. Going self-insured would have cost even more — roughly $2.7 million extra — so the city stayed fully insured and will revisit self-insurance next year.
New School Zones for Parks Elementary
With Dunbar and Spring Lake Park elementaries closing, students move to Parks Elementary — so the city is adding 20 mph school zones on four streets and removing the old ones. Council Member Steve Thompson noted ongoing neighborhood complaints about traffic and speeding near drop-off and pickup.
SWEPCO Electrical Substation Rebuild
SWEPCO won approval to rebuild its 50-plus-year-old substation next to the existing one in the 5700 block of Gin Road — critical infrastructure serving the hospital and the Richmond Road commercial corridor.
Planning and Zoning Agenda (cell Tower, Gym, Sign)
Texarkana’s Planning and Zoning Commission meets tonight at 6 to decide nine items, including a 105-foot cell tower near CHRISTUS ER, a new sports training gym, and a big sign on New Boston Road. If any of these are near you, you can show up and have a say.
SWEPCO Large Load Tariff Denial
The council denied SWEPCO's proposed special tariff for huge electricity users, sending it to state regulators. The concern: if projected big customers never materialize, regular ratepayers could foot the bill for grid upgrades.
Airport ARFF vehicle and service road grant projects
Several resolutions would let the airport apply for FAA grants totaling nearly $2.7 million for a new rescue/fire vehicle and a vehicle service road, mostly paid with federal and Arkansas aeronautics funds.
Flock license-plate cameras and surveillance privacy
Residents pressed the council to terminate the city's Flock surveillance camera contract, citing privacy, cybersecurity, and vendor-misconduct concerns raised in an investigative report. The council took no action but heard calls to place the item on a future agenda.
Texas Water Development Board grant application for water main replacement
The city is applying for up to $21 million in state grant funds to replace about 12.5 miles of leaky two-inch galvanized mains and recoup roughly $7.5 million spent on smart meters. Fewer leaks means better water service and pressure for residents.
Golf Ranch property exchange with Texas A&M University System
The city traded the 249.866-acre Golf Ranch to the Texas A&M System for 138.788 acres of buildable land near Oakwood subdivision, both valued at $2.5 million, and ended the golf course lease. The deal opens new land for future residential development.
Public Health Advisory
A boil water notice is currently active for parts of Texarkana, so make sure to heat your tap water before using it for drinking or cooking. It’s a temporary safety precaution, but definitely don't skip it if you're in the affected area.
Summerhill-Moores commercial development incentives
Up to $565,150 in incentives back a multi-phase, $18 million commercial project at Summerhill and Moores Lane that promises at least 30 jobs paying $50,000 or more.
Proposed AI data center at TexAmericas Center
Eight residents urged the council to scrutinize or reject the proposed 4,000-acre AI data center, citing water use of up to 5 million gallons a day, rising utility bills, air and noise pollution, and warnings that the AI investment boom is a bubble. One resident presented an online petition with 2,433 signatures. The council took no action but heard the concerns at length.
Adoption of 2024 Building Codes and Regulations
The city updated all its construction codes — building, residential, energy, electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical — to current 2024/2023 editions, which affects how new homes and commercial buildings are permitted and built.
Homelessness shelter capacity
Pastor Kerry Williams told the council the city lacks enough shelter beds and meal access for people experiencing homelessness, and asked the council to partner on solutions. Council Member Steve Thompson offered to help arrange a meeting with Randy Sams Shelter staff.
Personnel Appointment
Texarkana just promoted Daphnea Ryan to lead the planning department. She’s a city veteran who’ll now be calling the shots on our housing, health, and community development projects.
Semi-truck traffic on Finley Street
A resident reported heavy trucks, directed by GPS, using narrow Finley Street between the loop and a bridge, damaging the road and creating safety risks for children in the area.
Phased budget reductions through FY 2029
The city manager previewed about 7% in phased budget cuts by 2029, driven by the Proposition 9 property tax exemption, the 3.5% revenue growth cap, and rising health care costs — with letters going to funding partners.
Police Misconduct Litigation
A Texarkana mom is suing the police department, saying supervisors missed red flags before an officer allegedly abused her teen. It’s a case that could force the city to answer hard questions about who watches the watchers—and what it costs when oversight fails.
Legal Liability
A new federal lawsuit says Texarkana police didn’t protect a teenager, and that could put the city on the hook for legal costs and damages. The case is still just an allegation, but it’s the kind of claim that can get expensive fast for local taxpayers.
Water Billing Dispute
Residents again raised concerns about unexplained water usage spikes and high bills, and one asked why her water meter was locked. The city says there's no formal investigation, but it has created a TWU water loss response team and posted an updated FAQ after a February 2 public forum.
Municipal Court Amnesty
Texarkana is giving people with old municipal court warrants a break: during an amnesty program, they can come in and clear things up without getting arrested on the spot. It’s a chance to wipe out old warrants and maybe stop fees and court trouble from snowballing. If you’ve been avoiding a warrant, this is the moment to check.
Warrant Amnesty Program
Texarkana is running a warrant amnesty through April 2, letting people with outstanding warrants clear them without getting arrested. It’s a window to clean up your record before the city shifts to enforcement.
Utility Rate Hike
Texarkana residents are fed up with huge spikes in their water bills and showed up at the city council meeting to demand answers. If your utility costs keep climbing, this is a local fight worth watching.
Utility Rates
Texarkana residents are fed up with spiking water bills and want city leaders to act. The issue is expected to come up at upcoming council meetings, so it’s worth watching if you pay a monthly utility bill.
Utility Billing Investigation
Residents report bills doubling or tripling with no change in usage, and say the utility's only answer is 'you must have a leak.' They're asking for a system-wide review of meters, billing practices, and a fair dispute process — including leak adjustments like Houston offers.
Public Safety Staffing
Texarkana firefighters say the department is short-staffed, which could slow emergency response times in local neighborhoods. City leaders may soon have to tackle pay or benefits to keep fire stations fully staffed.
Public Safety Infrastructure
Texarkana is upgrading its severe weather sirens and will soon run tests or have crews working on them, so don't be alarmed if you hear sirens or see workers. The goal is to make sure storm alerts reach people on time when bad weather hits.
Pedestrian Safety Ordinance
Texarkana just passed a pedestrian safety ordinance aimed at making intersections safer for walkers. The city says you should expect some traffic pattern changes as it tries to reduce pedestrian accidents. If you walk or drive through busy crossings, this is meant to affect your daily route.
Utility Rate Increase
Summit Utilities wants Texarkana to approve a gas rate hike, which could raise your monthly bill. The City Council is reviewing it now, and public hearings are coming up if you want to weigh in.
Eight-liner Machine Regulation
Texarkana City Council is moving to clear up the legal gray area around eight-liner gaming machines. That could mean new rules—or at least clearer ones—for the businesses that run them and the neighborhoods they're in. If you've got one nearby, expect the city's stance to get a lot less fuzzy.
Urban Agriculture Ordinance
Texarkana just made it official: you can keep chickens in your backyard. The city updated its urban agriculture rules, so residents can set up their own coop without running afoul of local code. If you've ever wanted fresh eggs or a tiny flock, this is your green light.
Council Redistricting Public Input
Texarkana is redrawing city council ward lines, and officials want residents to weigh in. The boundaries decide who represents your neighborhood, so this is your chance to say what should stay together or split.
Youth Curfew Ordinance Renewal
Texarkana’s city council voted to keep the youth curfew, so minors still face limits on being out late. If you’re a teen or a parent, that means evening plans can still run into a city rule.
Council Member Resignation
Texarkana, Texas council member Tina Veal-Gooch has resigned, leaving an open seat on the body that makes local decisions. Until someone is appointed or elected, her constituents lose a dedicated voice and the council’s balance can shift.