Key Takeaways
- The Texarkana, Arkansas Board of Directors is set to vote on an ordinance to modify the entertainment district, including banning outside alcohol consumption and reducing operating hours.
- The proposed changes aim to address increased violations related to underage drinking, public intoxication, and disturbing the peace in the entertainment district.
- The Board will also vote on a resolution to enter an agreement with Texarkana Regional Airport, where the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department would take over law enforcement duties.
- The agreement is expected to save the airport approximately $25,000 per year.
- The Board will consider appointing Ward 4 Director Ulysses Brewer as assistant mayor for 2026.
Introduction to the Board Meeting
The city of Texarkana, Arkansas is set to begin the new year with a meeting of its Board of Directors, where several key decisions are expected to be made. The meeting, scheduled for Monday, will see the Board vote on an ordinance to modify the city’s entertainment district, among other business. The proposed changes to the entertainment district are aimed at addressing concerns related to public safety and order, and are expected to have a significant impact on the city’s nightlife scene.
Proposed Changes to the Entertainment District
The ordinance, which is expected to be voted on by the Board, would introduce several key changes to the entertainment district. Principally, it would ban the consumption of alcohol purchased outside the district, reduce the operating hours of the district, and remove Rock Store Liquor from the district. Currently, patrons are allowed to walk around with drinks in the district between 11 a.m. and 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. and midnight Sunday. The proposed changes would adjust these hours to 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Saturday. The entertainment district, which lies between State Line Avenue and East Fifth, East Third, Walnut, Laurel, Front and Pine streets, has seen an increase in violations related to underage drinking, public intoxication, and disturbing the peace, according to meeting documents.
Rationale Behind the Proposed Changes
The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department (TAPD) first proposed operating rule changes for the entertainment district at the Board’s first regular meeting in November 2025. The proposal was fine-tuned at a workshop later in the month, and is aimed at addressing the increased violations in the district. According to meeting documents, TAPD has seen a significant increase in incidents related to underage drinking, public intoxication, and disturbing the peace, specifically in the entertainment district. The proposed changes are intended to help mitigate these issues and improve public safety in the area.
Agreement with Texarkana Regional Airport
In addition to the proposed changes to the entertainment district, the Board is also set to vote on a resolution to enter an agreement with Texarkana Regional Airport. The agreement would see the TAPD take over law enforcement duties at the airport, which is expected to save the airport approximately $25,000 per year. According to the memorandum of understanding, the airport would reimburse the city an estimated $20.12 per hour for each officer assigned to the 12-hour shift, which includes a base salary of $18.45, plus taxes and payroll contributions. The airport would also pay TAPD $1,200 a month for a police vehicle, which would be used for airport security.
Other Business
The Board will also consider a resolution to appoint Ward 4 Director Ulysses Brewer as assistant mayor for 2026. Brewer, who is currently campaigning for Miller County judge, would take on the role in addition to his existing duties as a director. The regular meeting of the Board of Directors will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at the Municipal Building, 216 Walnut St. The meeting is open to the public, and citizens are encouraged to attend and participate in the decision-making process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the upcoming meeting of the Texarkana, Arkansas Board of Directors is set to be a significant one, with several key decisions expected to be made. The proposed changes to the entertainment district, aimed at addressing public safety concerns, are likely to have a major impact on the city’s nightlife scene. The agreement with Texarkana Regional Airport, which would see the TAPD take over law enforcement duties, is expected to save the airport thousands of dollars per year. As the city begins the new year, it will be interesting to see how these changes play out and what other developments emerge in the coming months.