TEXARKANA, Ark. – The Texarkana Board of Directors met on Monday to discuss equipment, the RAISE grant and upcoming events.
A resolution declaring Public Works equipment surplus, purchase and authorization of disposal to fall under Arkansas Law, which accounts for every vehicle and asset over $25,000, was considered for consent.
There was some discussion of lowering the numerical threshold for deciding on depreciation adding for a surplus and disposal of items.
The Board approved the ordinance as it is currently in place, in accordance with Arkansas state law, which audits the city every year.
Public Works Director Tyler Wright said, “I would not want any equipment to be purchased by city employees. We let every single piece of equipment go up for auction.”
The unanimous resolution included three pieces of Public Works equipment, a grapple truck, a dump truck, and a backhoe, that have reached their service life and will be considered surplus and disposed of according to Arkansas law.
In other business, the Board of Texarkana, Ark., unanimously approved a joint resolution with the City Council of Texarkana, Texas, to support the Texarkana Metropolitan Planning Organization’s 2024 RAISE grant application for the State Line corridor improvements.
RAISE stands for Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) which is a federal discretionary grant program.
Some of this money would go toward utility upgrades on State Line as well as some cultural enhancements.
Wright said we are requesting almost $17 million this year; in past years, when we applied for the RAISE grant, neither Texarkana city was selected.
According to Wright, this year, the cities reached out to a consultant specializing in the RAISE grant to strengthen their application.
There was some discussion of the verbiage and issue of trailers and recreational vehicles in residents’ front yards. The Directors needed more clarification on the issue, so it was tabled until the next meeting.
An appreciation was given to the Public Works Department for their hard work during the ice storm.
The Black History Parade has been rescheduled to this Saturday at 2 p.m.
“February 10 is the Texarkana Mardi Gras festival and parade, ” said Ward 3 Director Steven Hollibush.“There will be tons of vendors, food, fun, and beads. And, this year, it will be after dark.”
The next Board of Directors meeting is slated for next week at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5.
