Ordinance ends multifamily residences’ refuse discounts

TEXARKANA — The Texarkana Board of Directors voted Tuesday to approve an ordinance changing how the city charges multifamily residences for refuse service.

The board voted 5-1 in favor of the change and on an emergency clause making it effective immediately. Ward 2 Director Laney Harris voted no on both, and Ward 4 Director Travis Odom was absent.

A decades-old ordinance had allowed multifamily residences, such as apartment complexes, to get discounts on their garbage bills for self-reported vacancies. The amendment closed the loophole while allowing for reduced occupancy during major remodels or other construction work.

Over the past three years, the loophole has cost the city about $280,000, Public Works Director Tyler Richards told the board on May 6.

“No such credit is heard of in other cities,” Richards said.