Development News for Texarkana, Arkansas

City to Acquire New Fire Pumper Apparatus for $675,384

The board authorized the city manager to enter into a finance agreement with Government Capital Corporation for a new fire pumper apparatus, costing $675,384, to be financed over 10 years starting June 2027. This purchase is necessary to replace an aging reserve truck and maintain service levels, as current frontline trucks range from 2012 to 2022 models, with two reserve trucks over 20 years old. Fire truck costs have significantly increased due to inflation. The purchase was made through HGAC, a government buyboard, making traditional bidding unnecessary. The board passed and approved the resolution.

Phillips Lane Property Reverts from Limited Manufacturing to Low Density Residential Zoning

The board considered an ordinance to rezone the property at 1206 Phillips Lane from M1 Limited Manufacturing to R3 Low Density Residential. The property was reportedly rezoned incorrectly from residential to M1 in 2000 to allow an electrical business's administrative functions, which could have been handled as a home occupation. The surrounding area is zoned R3, except for one A1 parcel to the north. The property owner wishes to build a residence, which is not permitted under M1 zoning. The property has city water but no city sewer, using a septic system. The ordinance was read on first, second, and third readings and adopted.

Director Harris Voices Concerns on Housing, Public Works, and AMP Governance; Board Addresses Water Park Safety Reporting

Director Harris raised concerns about the city's response to housing repair requests and the requirement for a million-dollar bond to tear down houses, which the city manager clarified are state requirements. Harris also pressed for action on a housing person/plan, to which the city manager responded that a housing study is needed but has not been funded. Director Harris then questioned the city attorney about potentially requiring a water park to provide monthly safety reports, citing a past fatality. The city attorney suggested an ordinance could be drafted. Director Harris also detailed several outstanding maintenance requests in his ward, including creek cleaning, overgrown lots, ditch cleaning, park lighting, and erosion control for Jones Creek. The discussion on the AMP commission's history, finances, and upcoming appointments continued, with ongoing questions about enforcement and fund usage. The city manager confirmed a workshop was held and encouraged attendance at future meetings. The board also discussed the process for citizens to initiate ballot initiatives to repeal taxes.

Property Rezoned from Rural Residential to Mixed Use for Storage Structure

The board considered an ordinance to rezone a property at 48 Big Rock Circle from R1 Rural Residential to A1 Limited Mixed Use. The property owner wishes to build a storage structure before constructing a house, which is permitted under A1 zoning. The property has public water but will use a septic system. No opposition was registered. The ordinance was read on first, second, and third readings, and adopted with an emergency clause.