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Tune in April 7 at 7PM
Ward 5 Citizens Meet With City Officials to Discuss Tax Income Agenda
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Twenty citizens from Ward 5 were in attendance at the June 7th Ward meeting at Central Baptist Church on East 35th street to discuss their concerns and opinions regarding the recent tax increases.
The meeting was held by Ward 5 director Patsy Cornelius and was the first of six Ward meetings to be held this summer by each Ward in Texarkana, AR. "The inaugural meeting of the wards offered a lively and healthy exchange of ideas and it was a learning opportunity, especially with regard to communication and meeting format," said Cornelius.
Last year, the board of directors voted to raise gas and electric fees from 4 to 6%, add an infrastructure fee on residential and commercial water and sewer accounts, and raise the tourism tax on restaurants and hotels. According to Mayor Horace Shipp the increase in revenue from the new fees and taxes is expected to generate around $1.5 million dollars.
Ward 5 citizens suggested many different ideas of what they think should be done with the money which included re-paving damaged roads, renovating some of the city parks, and a request to build a municipal swimming pool. The citizens from Ward 5 made it clear that they want an established plan for what the tax money is to be used for.
Ward 5 citizens made a request that officials generate a report on the actual profit the city generates on the refuse fee. They said they want a cost accounting of what the fee is used for and how much is remaining after all accounts payable from that fee, are satisfied. It is the understanding of many Ward 5 residents that any profit from the refuse fees should be used on street maintenance.
Cornelius vowed to walk every road being considered for major repair and /or reconstruction, before deciding on a priority order for street repair.
Deanna O'Malley, a citizen of Ward 5, also made a recommendation to expand the state smoking ban to softball and baseball barks and stressed the need for a neighborhood collaboration to help promote Texarkana, Arkansas to cities outside the state.
Mayor Horace Shipp and Interim City Manager Harold Boldt were also in attendance to answer questions.
Ward Meeting Schedule
6/28/2007 - Ward 6 Meeting - Director Sue Johnson
Location: Sugar Hill Methodist Church, Wren Hall, 1621 Sugar Hill Road
Time: 6:00 PM
7/9/2007 - Ward 1 Meeting - Director Kathy Dunphy
Location: Bramble Courts, Housing Authority, Ferguson Street
Time: 6:00 PM
7/12/2007 - Ward 3 Meeting - Assistant Mayor Londell Williams
Location: Park Avenue Baptist Church, 214 Siebert Street
Time: 6:00 PM
7/19/2007 - Ward 4 Meeting - Director Chad Dowd
Location: Hickory Street Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall, 2923 Hickory Street
Time: 6:00 PM