Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Texarkana public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.