[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6474286,"mediaKeyId","5742219-8c6aa82db7967de31afb5f6a3c325087","parentId",5742219,"title","Consultant recommends moving Port Arthur pay plan to 21‑step structure; council debates releasing anonymous employee survey data","audioSeconds",2141,"startMs",4229000,"endMs",6370000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742219-8c6aa82db7967de31afb5f6a3c325087&start=4229&end=6370","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742219-8c6aa82db7967de31afb5f6a3c325087/thumbnail_4229000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6474286/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Consultant-recommends-moving-Port-Arthur-pay-plan-to-21step-structure-council-debates-releasing-anonymous-employee-survey-data","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474286-0cc63f16c9367a04ed359d6c939a325f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770387386&Signature=UIgzEQbYk~~F2RSUqN8gWRvvU9OEF85ar9HPtbShICAohRg6cMwQb5KGDKK88KM1c1CQ7XLUO0Gtq5BOc75uYrK48ZQFXOcGX~ch8CGp5unMTN1tqtFGJ9KaNO3-J4d3~m1xllYFbnrylhxidZ~QSkT3WR4VtEfkMdEZAJhB1mR4l5IMYyidZHoPsljzPBf1VzYoZAKoK5RdBd4hdtO08Ibdif3w85t7WaS7h5juqaYFL11HxuD5g9McYlV3KwWTgN0a9wL7zj4M1QfrlkWVuDmngA8VXha~u~FyK4YWG1cUXgmtJe4c9mCngYdl~TXeP0Ng-QLioaVXLNvurJqHRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Port Arthur","date","2025-09-09T00:00:00Z","article","Evergreen Solutions delivered the findings of a citywide wage and classification study at the Sept. 9 Port Arthur City Council meeting, reporting a broad recommendation to increase the structure and market alignment of the city’s pay plan and to implement changes starting Jan. 1, 2026.

Rob Williamson, project manager for Evergreen Solutions, said the city’s existing pay ranges were narrow — roughly a 24% spread between minimum and maximum — and use a 10‑step plan that pushes employees rapidly to the midpoint and then slows progress. By contrast, the market pay ranges Evergreen used for comparison averaged a 48% spread. Williamson said that structure meant new hires tended to be paid above market minimums but long‑tenured employees fell behind the market as their step progression slowed.

“Your midpoint is behind market,” Williamson told the council. He recommended moving to a 21‑step plan with a 1.5% step differential, instead of the current 10‑step/2.5% step plan, and aligning pay ranges to about the 75th percentile of peer markets. He described options for implementation; a “bring‑to‑market” option would cost roughly 1% of payroll in an initial phase. A more aggressive option — the consultant’s preferred model — would align ranges and move qualifying employees to new step placements with limited additional adjustments for tenure or market position.

Williamson said the study covered approximately 450 employees and 220 unique job classifications and used peer data from 13 of 20 comparable jurisdictions that responded to the market survey. The consultant also reported a robust employee survey participation rate — roughly 72% participation overall and more than 80% coverage of job classifications.

A dispute arose after the presentation about the status of the raw employee survey responses. Several council members asked for the underlying survey text and comments; Evergreen said it had promised respondents anonymity. Council members pushed for access to staff‑level details; the city attorney said he would review confidentiality and labor‑law limits. The city manager and council directed staff to consult the city attorney about whether and how to produce anonymized or redacted survey results for council review.

Council members asked about implementation timing, costs and recruiting impacts, and discussed targeted incentives such as dual‑certification pay for water/wastewater operators. Williamson recommended a staged January 1 implementation and periodic market checks every three to five years.

There was no council vote approving changes at the Sept. 9 meeting. The consultant’s report and proposed implementation scenarios will be part of the city’s budget and implementation discussions; the study also included recommended changes to step progression and suggested a funding plan for phased implementation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Port Arthur - City Council","oneSentenceSummary","A consultant hired to overhaul Port Arthur’s pay and classification system recommended moving from a 10‑step plan with narrow pay ranges to a 21‑step plan aligned to market midpoints and advised implementing changes Jan. 1, 2026; council members raised questions about releasing anonymous employee survey results to the council.","taxTitle","Port Arthur City, Jefferson County, Texas","taxId",5749,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6474290,"City holds public hearing on rezoning 31.27 acres east of Foster Lewis Drive to planned development district",478,1830000,2308000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742219-8c6aa82db7967de31afb5f6a3c325087&start=1830&end=2308","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742219-8c6aa82db7967de31afb5f6a3c325087/thumbnail_1830000.jpg","/articles/6474290/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/City-holds-public-hearing-on-rezoning-3127-acres-east-of-Foster-Lewis-Drive-to-planned-development-district","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474290-e9dbd7769cf8464cb86174a9c8e1cd60/orig.mp4?Expires=1770387386&Signature=RKxUCN0LV8WNAgTcWfHfs~ULW2ODGNqMpTcXUNmqLIkVqJA~p6-LA55kToChtlbnxi4iUiY65lKOiW-DfUirqaOH3YvFe3aU5LMH4yrOcZ-hAXYH8o7AQRnvFQcec9P95tQb5BSHmkcORo8ZQMwfwZ6h-awbEbIgs1Vkg1DUw4FJebIiMJnU1IbxBNBdPMUmD8lo~2NKP2sSwyxqMm9De85lKKsReE~os018Z3m~Zap3sG7xoy0AT0yLTzxKOwe7swljoZkFm-0ehgUkQzRNtQOGPHAwkOxjhTGy~-jYLgoEiXf9Tuv3wOsJ8WIT0p1IWq-bV0bo2u6EDY9Gf7h9Og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff held a public hearing Tuesday to receive comment on a zoning map amendment application to rezone roughly 31.27 acres east of Foster Lewis Drive and south of Main Avenue from low‑density residential to a Planned Development (PD) district.

A city planning staff member described the site as comprised of specific lots in Range E of the Port Arthur Land Company and provided parcel numbers (72868, 72877 and 72881). The staff presentation said the PD would allow single‑family, two‑family and outdoor recreational development and that the application had been filed with the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 23, 2025. Notices were mailed to owners within 200 feet and published in the Port Arthur newspaper per statutory requirements.

Planning and Zoning met on July 21 and voted 5‑0 to recommend approval of the rezoning, the staff report said. At Tuesday’s city council hearing, staff noted no written or verbal opposition had been received to date.

Council members asked for clarifications about adjacency to existing medium‑density zoning and whether the site cleanup could address a persistent dumping problem along Foster Lewis Drive. A council member also identified nearby Villa Main apartments to confirm context for neighbors.

The council closed the public hearing at 10:08 a.m. by motion; the motion carried by voice vote. Council did not make a final decision on the rezoning during the public hearing; no ordinance adopting or denying the change was recorded in the minutes of the Sept. 9 meeting.

Authorities cited during the presentation included Section 6.03(e) of the City of Port Arthur zoning ordinance and Sections 211.006 and 211.007 of the Texas Local Government Code governing zoning map amendments and public notice requirements.

Next steps: the council may vote to approve or deny the rezoning at a later meeting after any additional staff analysis or applicant responses as appropriate.","Port Arthur staff presented a request to change about 31.27 acres from low‑density residential to a Planned Development district that would allow single‑family, two‑family and outdoor recreational uses. Planning & Zoning recommended approval 5‑0; city council closed the hearing with no verbal or written opposition recorded.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6474295,"Pleasure Island operator finds sewer pipe discharging into Sabine Lake; city staff to investigate",925,567000,1492000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742219-8c6aa82db7967de31afb5f6a3c325087&start=567&end=1492","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742219-8c6aa82db7967de31afb5f6a3c325087/thumbnail_567000.jpg","/articles/6474295/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Pleasure-Island-operator-finds-sewer-pipe-discharging-into-Sabine-Lake-city-staff-to-investigate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474295-5becf6158e55e0ce78306fe2f9fa036e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770387386&Signature=N~64jE-9qn0Z8bda60p~PeCbc3NXlSPH1m-FUHIVuMr-uqIWfkh~xga8C9RGd5GE6rgsPk9I8bFxuxPETGIZ2GVW5yv5LCPnNCsjmLbOddYqMj1dxwb1mNLPnmjIwSkNYpaN6mui~SgTRYRH1b3EvcpKfcskn1-zTqDDuEfCGCZ0touD~evimveX-errk52~GItdHeRhQiAfT~IsNogKN9cJaTqb2i3wikg7tU4tlyfP-qYMcYJqYOGSjhSP8V9gWJxQ0cXDou4l1nTGwhE2zmLRSFU~BzIA0lYx90M3w8ZD1UCRxlNAeUNw2-6az-6NaQbfBl7jSY~hbRuGmAbamw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pleasure Licks LLC, the new operator of the Pleasure Island marina, told the Port Arthur City Council on Tuesday that it discovered a sewer line from Building B that “was engineered to discharge directly into the marina,” and that raw sewage had been entering Sabine Lake for years.

At a council presentation, Salim Kralp, who identified himself as representing Pleasure Licks, described the finding and showed members photos of the property and recent community events. “We sent the plumber's camera down the pipe to trace it. What we discovered was shocking. The sewer pipe is not connected to any sewer line. It was engineered to discharge directly into the marina,” Kralp said.

Kralp also reviewed the operator’s local hiring and programming since taking possession, saying Pleasure Licks hosted Juneteenth/Father's Day and Fourth of July events that drew hundreds of attendees, and that its watercraft fleet and other infrastructure have arrived. He said the company installed a new sewer line and pump station at its own expense at a cost “approximately $31,000,” and described other investments to ready buildings and open a cigar lounge and restaurant.

Council members asked for specifics and sought to protect the public. Council member Kinlaw asked whether the disconnected pipe dated to the former Port Arthur Yacht Club; Kralp confirmed Building B had been used previously and that city records showed no sewer connection for that structure. Council member Lewis pressed staff for help getting the water slide and other amenities moved forward; the city manager said the waterpark matter would be discussed in executive session and that utilities would lead any investigation into the sewer finding.

City Manager (name on file with the city) said the city had responsibility to address the public‑health hazard and would engage Utilities and Public Works. “It's our responsibility to make those corrections,” he said, noting TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) rules for water quality and the city’s obligation to prevent unauthorized discharges.

Council member Beckham asked whether the lease terms allow a cigar lounge; the city attorney said he would review the executed lease and email the council the answer. Kralp told the council he would not pursue criminal charges over vandalism to jet skis but would focus on repairs and security camera footage; he said Pleasure Licks had purchased general liability and event insurance and hired local contractors and staff.

The council did not take a formal, binding vote on the marina lease or on remediation spending at Tuesday’s meeting. Council members asked staff to investigate the sewer connection Kralp described and to report back with findings and recommended next steps.

Kralp urged residents to support Pleasure Island events and said the operator plans a Halloween celebration and other community programming.

The council and manager directed the Utilities Department (Calvin, Utilities) to investigate the plumbing discovery at Building B, coordinate with relevant departments, and report back to council on public‑health risks and remediation options.","Pleasure Licks LLC, the new operator of Pleasure Island marina, told Port Arthur council it discovered an unconnected sewer pipe discharging into Sabine Lake from Building B and described investments and community events at the marina. City manager and utilities staff said they will investigate and address the public‑health and safety issue.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6474276,"Local disability advocates invite city leaders to October community event at Apollo Pavilion",391,157000,548000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742219-8c6aa82db7967de31afb5f6a3c325087&start=157&end=548","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742219-8c6aa82db7967de31afb5f6a3c325087/thumbnail_157000.jpg","/articles/6474276/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Local-disability-advocates-invite-city-leaders-to-October-community-event-at-Apollo-Pavilion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474276-0be1f6675fb896ba733fc8b25f795293/orig.mp4?Expires=1770387386&Signature=Yn--3o3b2Fbl-x1aJBZPbqkFrA3rD~hEzfk-TN0dk3DDUVBJ1fis6RX6YPLZk0Bv30zDS71HzeF0EgyroDCi~25-gdrv1-PR1XQxH~SDcFbsUCaxe5HyyJC2luvvvS9wnYpfuIZu2KPayiPHGSF1DmqxGgp9CNScmSsWzBuiOjtP4CoR1A7jHNg5aZRcTCwSIPmC2y-DNqA8zpab4g~~s~NwJ374ntyZiANC3l68b7vnQ93N0Sg9K4q4tN-oAAsESQXEYDdUgdmXByNA2judUAlYinxaKTtp~mJ1QbC-89CNrygSlohDWHK6wKbsuqJZUSVxbLnKr~AnA4FxeYJx~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public‑comment portion of the Sept. 9 Port Arthur City Council meeting, Hattie Harmison, representing Extraordinary Vision, invited the mayor, council and first responders to a community event at the Apollo Pavilion on Oct. 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Harmison said the free event is intended to “bring community unity” and to highlight that people who are blind are “differently abled,” not defined by disability. She asked council members to attend and introduce themselves so residents know whom to contact with problems and to show city leadership is approachable.

Harmison also described other upcoming activities — a dining‑in‑the‑dark fundraiser theme “Moving Forward,” a walk on Sept. 20 for sickle cell and prostate cancer awareness at Central Mall, and participation in the Texas State Blind Conference in Houston in October. She said event organizers are not charging admission but will accept donations to support travel to the conference and future programming. Harmison said she provided the city secretary an itinerary of events for distribution to council members.

Mayor and council thanked Harmison and said staff would distribute the itinerary and consider attending the Oct. 3 event.","Hattie Harmison of Extraordinary Vision asked Port Arthur council to attend an October 3 Apollo Pavilion benefit and community unity event to raise disability awareness and support travel to the Texas State Blind Conference.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6474281,"Port Arthur finance director presents tight general‑fund budget; council asks for department‑by‑department follow‑up",750,7360000,8110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742219-8c6aa82db7967de31afb5f6a3c325087&start=7360&end=8110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742219-8c6aa82db7967de31afb5f6a3c325087/thumbnail_7360000.jpg","/articles/6474281/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Port-Arthur-finance-director-presents-tight-generalfund-budget-council-asks-for-departmentbydepartment-followup","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474281-565f648bc03328ad8a5310ac446b6226/orig.mp4?Expires=1770387386&Signature=gQ3hpBsfe7vmi0jynp54ZB7upxXLykqlUamfjFAo8IjHFiVwlAcSCWozU9oo~aqasJQHkDlaExwHDFFbfdrXDYlokEKc~937dQSDW4WW9NY0ImMAS01hB1RqRhJzg2aBM6Qw5W97tYVEFC4imszwlpHHaQYwOV1hQcZsrDpcfz3p-A2XM2yw1kfMdcSLNmfwnJQXTxs7LH5kTnJHP6sZysLtEQQruMKtV~DAXisO~KKxkv5DAfGbHpRn8hCyB6nJQPpq540S8RorILMHfzSEoye-lVv9NughIX8wLVOYVEJlGpO-tuYNPH3MACM5IABtUiIrLx4XTAuWHfsdf6VJMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Port Arthur finance director presented a proposed fiscal 2025‑26 general fund budget during a Sept. 9 workshop, describing a balanced but constrained plan and highlighting risks tied to lower property‑tax capacity and a planned subsidy for the water and sewer enterprise.

Finance Director Lynn (last name on file) told council the proposed budget includes a 3.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment effective Oct. 1 and assumed implementation of the consultant’s recommended wage changes beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The draft also reflects an increase in projected health‑insurance costs and 14 additional authorized general fund positions across several departments.

Lynn emphasized the city’s constrained revenue outlook. She said property‑tax capacity has been reduced by state legislative changes since 2022 and that general fund investment income is down because the city has less available cash to invest. The proposed budget reduces the planned use of fund balance compared with the prior year (from about $12 million to roughly $7.5 million) but still relies on reserves to balance the plan. Lynn said transfers and capital plans (including several large projects) were included in the draft and described projected figures for water, sewer and special projects.

Councilmember Frank warned that prior budget choices and use of reserves have placed the city in a “precarious” position and urged a sharper focus on core priorities such as utilities, streets and garbage. Several council members asked for department‑level breakdowns and justifications for changes to personnel, equipment and operating lines. Finance staff agreed to provide a department‑by‑department summary and to return to council with detailed cost estimates of the wage‑study options and other follow‑up items.

The council scheduled follow‑up workshops to review department specifics and enterprise funds. No budget ordinance was adopted on Sept. 9; the city will continue budget deliberations at subsequent meetings.","Finance staff presented the proposed fiscal 2025‑26 general fund budget to the council, saying the plan is balanced but tight. Council and staff discussed lower property‑tax revenue following state changes, a planned use of fund balance and a $7.6 million subsidy to water/sewer; council requested department‑level detail and further workshops.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Consultant recommends moving Port Arthur pay plan to 21‑step structure; council debates releasing anonymous employee survey data

City holds public hearing on rezoning 31.27 acres east of Foster Lewis Drive to planned development district

Pleasure Island operator finds sewer pipe discharging into Sabine Lake; city staff to investigate

Local disability advocates invite city leaders to October community event at Apollo Pavilion

Port Arthur finance director presents tight general‑fund budget; council asks for department‑by‑department follow‑up