Arkansas-side board continues discussion on garbage rate plan
At a regular meeting Tuesday, the Texarkana, Ark., Board of Directors will continue to deliberate raising the city’s garbage collection rate.
The board will hear a second reading of an ordinance that would increase the cost of Arkansas-side residents’ garbage collection by $2 per month beginning next year. A third reading, public hearing and a vote will follow at future board meetings.
Richardson Waste II requested a rate increase of $1 in an October letter to City Manager Kenny Haskin. At a Nov. 9 meeting, the city Solid Waste Committee recommended a $2-per-month increase.
If the measure passes, Richardson Waste II and Edmondson Trash Service will get $1 of the increase per resident they serve, and $1 would be allocated to the city’s Texarkana Water Utilities fund. That would raise about $152,000 per year for TWU, according to city Finance Director TyRhonda Henderson.
The board will hear a third and final reading of an ordinance to amend the city’s franchise agreement with David Peavy, owner of 1894 City Market, 105 Olive St. downtown, formerly known as the Ritchie Grocery Building.
The agreement allows Peavy to use some strips of city property adjacent to the building. The proposed amendment would allow him to sell residential units in the building as condominiums.
Directors will also hear a first briefing on an ordinance that would allow Peavy to place a renovated vintage rail car, to be used as a coffee shop, on Front Street near the building.
Also on the agenda are a pair of rezoning ordinances. One would approve a petition to annex a parcel of property and apply rural residential zoning at 1262 S. Rondo Road. The other would allow converting a former office at 1206 Edwards St. into a residence.
The agenda also includes a citizens’ communication time during which any member of the public may address the board on any topic for up to five minutes each.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 216 Walnut St.
On Twitter: @RealKarlRichter