Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Texarkana public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
39 issues with medium priority
Surplus Water Sale Agreement
Texarkana, Arkansas, has taken the first step toward selling its surplus water to Texas, turning an extra resource into potential revenue. The deal could reshape how the twin cities manage water for years, but it’s only the beginning of the process.
Specific use permit for tattoo studio at 3101 New Boston Road
Owner Adriana Herrera requested a specific use permit allowing tattooing at 3101 New Boston Road. The permit would open the door for a new small business on the corridor.
2026-2027 Legislative Priorities
The city's wish list for the 2027 Texas Legislature pushes for more state funding for roads, water systems, and public safety, plus support for Red River Army Depot and historic recognition of Trammell's Trace.
Digital Government Services
The city is promoting its MyGov TXK portal, letting residents report potholes, streetlight outages, code violations, and missed trash pickups from their phone — with a paper trail and case tracking.
Specific use permit for outdoor car lot at 1630 N Robison Road
C Sue Smith requested a specific use permit for an outdoor car lot on a nearly six-acre tract on N Robison Road.
Firefighter Union Contract Dispute
Texarkana’s firefighter union rejected the city’s contract offer, so the pay fight is heading to arbitration. An outside arbitrator will now help decide firefighter pay and benefits, and whatever they decide will hit the city budget.
Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds and Tax Notes
The city sold $20.75 million in 25-year utility bonds at 4.88 percent — better than expected — funding utility projects with about $480,000 in debt-service savings and level payments for budget certainty.
Lead Service Line Study
The council was scheduled to approve a contract with WSB, LLC for a predictive lead service line model, with the city's share about $438,000 from 2023 water and sewer bonds. It's part of meeting federal lead-pipe rules.
November 2026 general election call for Wards 3 and 5
The council formally called the November election for the Ward 3 and Ward 5 council seats.
Airport Runway Overlay Change Order
The airport runway project got a thicker surface — an extra inch of asphalt — within the already-approved $16.86 million contract ceiling.
Utility Infrastructure Contracts
Four sewer and water projects approved on consent: Lakeridge Drive sewer extension, North Street water looping, Spring Lake Park sewer replacement, and the big one — $535,198.50 for West 32nd Street sewer main replacement.
Roller Skating Rink Development Approval
Texarkana’s city council is set to vote on a new roller skating rink on New Boston Road. If approved, it would add a recreation option in town and could shape what gets built nearby. The decision is worth watching if you care about local entertainment or neighborhood development.
Water conservation and drought contingency plan
The council was scheduled to consider adopting the city's Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan, which guides water-use restrictions during shortages.
Red River Army Depot fire and emergency management agreements
Two memoranda of agreement with Red River Army Depot for fire protection and emergency management services were up for approval, formalizing mutual emergency support.
Finley and Grandview Park improvements
A south-side resident said Finley and Grandview parks lack parking, restrooms, and play equipment, and asked whether the new parks plan addresses them. Staff confirmed Finley Park needs major attention but sits partly in a floodway, complicating grant funding; the master plan lists specific improvements.
Civic Education
Ever feel like local government is a total mystery? This new guide breaks down exactly who runs Texarkana and how to actually get things done in our city.
Millwood water plant maintenance
The River Bend fee on water bills funds a $490 million regional treatment plant planned near TexAmericas Center. Residents question why the fee jumped in October, who chose the location, and whether large employers will share the cost.
LENDEM Solutions Chapter 380 Agreement
The city is setting up property tax abatements under Chapter 312 to pair with its existing job-based Chapter 380 incentives, starting with a deal worth up to $360,960 for a commercial project at Summerhill and Moores Lane.
Parks and Trails Master Plan
A new 20-year parks plan is headed for a June 8 vote. Top community requests: connecting trails, more shade trees, ADA accessibility, and a multi-use event facility. The city completed every goal from the 2009 plan.
Runway 4-22 extension project
The council approved a bundle of airport items covering the Runway 4-22 extension and overlay: a $15.79 million construction contract with Tatum Excavating, engineering administration agreements, and securing up to $20.8 million in federal funding. It's largely grant-funded and keeps the regional airport growing.
Financial Transparency
Auditor David Coleman reported a clean audit, a very healthy 39% unassigned fund balance, TMRS pensions over 90% funded, and full compliance with the state's 180-day reporting deadline — plus one CDBG reporting issue already being fixed.
Right-of-way construction permit fee
A new permit fee for work in city rights-of-way was adopted after SWEPCO and Summit utility comments were worked into the ordinance.
Home daycare on Sunset Road
The council approved a state-regulated home daycare for up to eight children at 2907 Sunset Road after neighbors raised concerns about speeding traffic, street parking, and neighborhood safety. Council Member Davis added the eight-child cap to address those concerns.
ATFAB Cooper Lane annexation and development
The city moved forward on annexing nearly 19 acres on Cooper Lane for ATFAB's residential development, amending the deal so phase two gets multifamily zoning like phase one — and making findings to encircle a five-acre holdout homeowner who declined annexation.
Community Beautification
Texarkana is hosting a city-wide spring clean-up on April 11th, giving you a chance to toss your junk for free. It’s a great way to clear out the garage and help keep our neighborhoods looking sharp.
Wamba community water and annexation concerns
Residents of the Wamba community worry new subdivisions are getting city amenities while they remain on well water, and fear the city limit sign is 'creeping' toward them. They want answers on future annexation, water options, and well-water testing resources.
Parks and Recreation Programming
Texarkana’s Swanger Sports Complex is turning into a major tournament hub this season, bringing in tons of visitors. It’s a big win for our local restaurants and hotels that rely on that extra foot traffic.
Emergency medical services performance
LifeNet reported 6,516 ambulance responses in 2025 with a 95% patient satisfaction rate and a cardiac arrest survival rate of 13%, above the national average of about 9%. The service invested roughly $4 million in new vehicles and equipment.
Assembly Line building project with Texarkana College
The council amended the interlocal agreement for the Assembly Line building at 215 Pine Street, authorizing about $3 million in construction spending and adding $500,000 in unspent Temple Foundation grant funds.
Emergency Preparedness
Winter weather is heading our way, so Texarkana is asking everyone to stay alert for road closures and service updates. Now is the perfect time to make sure your emergency kit is stocked and you're ready for potential power or travel disruptions.
Repeal of Panhandling Ordinance
The city council repealed its panhandling ordinance to bring local rules in line with current legal standards and protect free speech rights.
Animal Control
Texarkana is trying to find homes for a large group of cats rescued from a hoarding situation. If you’ve been thinking about adopting, now’s a good time to help the cats and free up space at the local shelter.
Government Transparency
Texarkana just got a 'Transparency Star' for making it way easier to see where your tax money is actually going. You can now track city spending online without having to dig through a mountain of boring paperwork.
Historic Preservation
Local groups in Texarkana are trying to restore a forgotten African American cemetery that’s been neglected for years. The goal is to honor the people buried there and preserve an important piece of the city’s history. It’s a civic cleanup with real cultural meaning—not just a landscaping project.
Public Art Preservation
Texarkana’s Kress Gap murals are coming down soon so crews can repair the wall behind them—so if you’ve been meaning to see them, now’s the time. It’s a small but telling example of how the city has to juggle preserving public art with keeping old buildings safe and sound.
Public Transportation
Texarkana is launching a new trolley in the Arts & Historic District to make downtown easier to navigate and pull in more tourists. The hope is that better access will bring more foot traffic to local shops and galleries.
Council Member Obituary
Willie J. Ray, a longtime Texarkana, Texas City Council member, has died at 86. His death leaves a council seat open and could shift the council’s balance and priorities. Locals should expect a transition in representation and a process to fill the vacancy.
Healthcare Access
Texarkana straddles Texas and Arkansas, and that two-state split is creating a real healthcare access gap: residents on one side can end up with fewer doctors, hospitals, and coverage options than their neighbors. In practice, your address can shape the quality of care you get—even within the same city.
city council meeting controversy over Grim Lofts development
A Texarkana City Council meeting got heated over the Grim Lofts development, a downtown project that’s clearly stirring strong feelings. If you live downtown or care about what gets built in your neighborhood, this fight could affect you. The source doesn’t spell out the exact details, but the controversy signals that approvals, design, or neighborhood impacts are in play.