TEXARKANA, Ark. - During its meeting Monday, the city Board of Directors will again take up approval of the Texarkana Water Utilities budget, including a rate increase - this time of 8.5%.
On a four -to-three vote, the Board chose not to approve a 10% increase in the residential water and sewer rate during its last meeting, on Jan. 19, and tabled approving the budget because it was based on that higher rate. TWU's original proposal was a 17.75% increase requested to keep cash reserves at a minimum of 60 days' expenditures after lower than expected revenues in recent years.
An 8.5% rate bump would leave 33 days' worth of cash in reserve at the end of Fiscal Year 2021, four days less than the 10% increase would have left, TWU Finance Director Jim Cornelius said.
The average resident's monthly bill would go up $3.34, from $64.73 to $68.07, 59 cents less than a 10% increase. It would be the first rate increase for Arkansas-side residents since April 2009, when the water rate went up 20% and the sewer rate 15%.
Spending and staffing efficiencies, as well as bond refinancing, would reduce expenses enough that no major projects would be abandoned during the fiscal year, while consultants conducted a rate review study and made further recommendations.
Fireworks Ordinance
The Board will also take up amendments to the city fireworks ordinance, proposed by Ward 1 Director Terry Roberts, that would add requirements for displays inside the city limits.
The current ordinance requires only the fire marshal's approval for using fireworks in the city, which otherwise is illegal.
In addition to the fire marshal's approval, the proposed new rules include acquiring a permit and meeting all requirements of local and state laws and National Fire Protection Association guidelines.
A fireworks display would have to be overseen by a licensed professional; occur between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Dec. 31, July 4 or a Saturday or Sunday; and last no longer than 30 minutes.
Owners of property from which fireworks are launched would have to provide written consent. Before a display permit were issued, the applicant would be required to publish notice of the display for two consecutive weeks. And they would have to release the city from any liability in writing.
Airport Board Ordinance
Another proposed set of ordinance amendments on the agenda would make various updates to the Texarkana Airport Authority, which makes decisions about Texarkana Regional Airport. Texarkana, Texas, which shares oversight of the Authority, is expected to take up matching revisions to its corresponding ordinance.
The proposed changes would add a ninth, at-large member of the Authority's board, subject to joint approval of both cities. Each city would continue to appoint four members to the board.
The Authority would be required to establish its own revenue fund and purchasing policy, including competitive bidding procedures. Any expenditure exceeding $25,000 would require joint approval of both Texarkanas' city managers.
The Authority would have to hire an executive director and develop a strategic plan that must periodically reviewed. It would also be required to retain its own legal counsel.
The amendments also include an appeal procedure for people who claim Authority policies have caused them harm. Both cities' city managers would review such claims and decide whether to take any action.
Rezoning Requests
The Board will consider two rezoning requests, including one that would allow expansion of popular local business Three Chicks Feed, Seed and Cafe.
Three Chicks' owners have purchased a nearby parcel of land, at 4050 Road, and want it rezoned to allow a drive-through fried fish restaurant or similar business there.
Approval of the other request would allow the owner of 3021 Will Grear Road to "develop a hobby farm to grow products such as blueberries, and sell agricultural products using the existing buildings," according to city documents.
The agenda includes a citizen communication time during which members of the public may address the Board on any topic for up to five minutes each.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 216 Walnut St.