Texarkana · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Texarkana public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Drive-thru rezoning request at 209 W 38th Street
John O'Shaughnessy requested rezoning several tracts on New Boston Road from General Retail to Commercial, expanding permissible uses on the site.
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.
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.
Adoption of 2024 Building Codes and Regulations
The fire department wants to jump from the 2018 to the 2024 International Fire Code to match building inspections — adding rules for lithium battery storage, occupiable roofs and carbon monoxide detectors. Hearing and vote June 8.
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.
Utility Billing Investigation
Texarkana residents are fed up with massive, unexplained spikes in their water bills and are pushing the City Council to launch a formal investigation. People want to know if this is a technical glitch, a billing error, or something else entirely.