[{"_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",6427086,"mediaKeyId","5906847-4edf623a421915400414a31813351aad","parentId",5906847,"title","Port Arthur council holds public hearing on EDC sales-tax proposition, members urge clear ballot limits","audioSeconds",719,"startMs",1795000,"endMs",2514000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906847-4edf623a421915400414a31813351aad&start=1795&end=2514","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906847-4edf623a421915400414a31813351aad/thumbnail_1795000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6427086/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Port-Arthur-council-holds-public-hearing-on-EDC-sales-tax-proposition-members-urge-clear-ballot-limits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427086-3df4113290f832e45656d3a8abc17424/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845620&Signature=YfCTUdb8yCCcPVJzv6rZMWxfnrm7GUqys7BD-QMwN~7iS6M2MxjrbhctTPfRTQEkX6Y07I7mZN5~jpnMXGy37e6WyWUiIHUwOTLO-vD3-1QrqD2qV0qmuHAa7OkmkLaZi8YEk7Qg5EW4NJRoM0SwriHrIFfdcVXPYpQkHcaSQB4Dz~MKHkxzdvd~CaDIEvZjGv70jKyrUnht39SRosOKv8MxpjI63aUFH5uJoWYX8xjbcAZPY-O8E~bXV1jtWQoRfBm8busj9iYOKURZADLWszl5LCCl~vCfyq781GbeXy9OrNhaaXmDSW38a60aaAFDwC6QNSaXsb1mnYua9Qh8lA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Port Arthur","date","2025-10-07T00:00:00Z","article","The Port Arthur City Council held a public hearing Oct. 7 on a proposed proposition that would authorize the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation to use the sales and use tax under Chapter 504 of the Texas Local Government Code for a broader set of project categories, including recreational or community facilities, affordable housing, water supply projects, business attraction and sports venues.

The hearing drew comments from council members who urged clear ballot language defining limits on how the tax revenue could be used. Councilmember Doucette told residents to “read local government code chapter 504, sections 256, 257, 260, and 352,” and said the relevant statutes “will tell you exactly what type of language you should have in a proposition” and to look for the keyword “limits.”

Councilmember Frank, a longtime proponent, said the measure would create a new tool the city lacks and argued it would let Port Arthur pursue entertainment and quality-of-life investments such as indoor family entertainment venues, skating rinks and incubators for small businesses. Frank said the hybrid approach — combining Type A and Type B EDC authority — would let the city act quickly when opportunities arise rather than waiting for the timing of elections.

Other council members said the EDC board’s makeup will not change under the proposal and that any projects using Type B funds still require voter approval; council members said public hearings and additional outreach would follow should the proposition pass. Councilmember Lewis requested that, before implementation of any program under a hybrid framework, staff hold “at least 2 to 3 public hearings to explain to the public exactly what we’re gonna be doing with the monies.”

Mayor Charlotte M. Moses closed the public hearing after council discussion. No ordinance or final vote to place the proposition on a ballot occurred at the Oct. 7 meeting; the hearing record will inform whether and how the measure is placed before voters.

Why it matters: The change would expand the Economic Development Corporation’s allowable projects under state law and could enable Port Arthur to invest sales-tax proceeds in projects aimed at retaining local consumer spending and drawing visitors. Council members repeatedly urged precise ballot language and limits so voters understand how funds would be used.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council","oneSentenceSummary","During a public hearing on a proposed amendment allowing the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation to spend sales and use tax on new project categories, council members urged clear ballot language and limits; proponents said the amendment would let the city pursue quality-of-life projects without delay.","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},6427067,"Port Arthur advances solid-waste master plan; council and residents press for enforcement and clearer pickup communications",1789,5766000,7555000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906847-4edf623a421915400414a31813351aad&start=5766&end=7555","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906847-4edf623a421915400414a31813351aad/thumbnail_5766000.jpg","/articles/6427067/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Port-Arthur-advances-solid-waste-master-plan-council-and-residents-press-for-enforcement-and-clearer-pickup-communications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427067-f7e1187a619c06370687575a98876df1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845620&Signature=JB6ufEuZBm3-9-B~cdsZk3NTnycEqNSBfzuxGq-i~WQ4P-Oe3UhFmKs~FseR9p1vqGqcEOjN238a-Rh7PWTjAJMfUQ0bqTosiUz4t1Lri0zSlpE0SwJHgdVD2dVVQW2DkMsUrJEjK3PpErbEqU2e4kfEdyRyty1BoiE2nPl9rMzmDvElYwJT76lp9br26OV9CtfvFdYb7auuZQG7rfegInt6vUF0ygiX2rit7cdc444aZwQF8RfE4yPj5DB72jhwFEnDdiuCnc0O~tldxfD7MaF7DPFnLLS~vakhehqKF767b9jbo1n6rO6scBWXPNpO3ZpAoPANAzFwLVllXLmwcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and consultant NewGen Strategies updated the Port Arthur City Council Oct. 7 on the solid-waste master plan, saying consultants have completed route ride-alongs and are finalizing a collection assessment and baseline cost-of-service memo.

Public-works staff showed photos of recurring illegal and oversized debris piles and explained how large, scattered collections can tie up crews and delay routine pickups. “Sites like this will lead us to delays,” staff said, showing images of multi-truck cleanups that took two truckloads and several hours to clear, which then shift collection schedules for other neighborhoods.

NewGen’s work will include a communication strategy, a customer-service survey and suggested operational options. Staff said the consultant is developing a solid-waste advisory committee made up of seven members plus two non-voting city employees; the committee will meet three to five times during the contract and will be disbanded after the project is complete. The advisory committee will review consultant findings and advise on modification of the plan.

Council members and residents pressed for stronger enforcement to hold contractors and property owners accountable when debris is left at the curb. Councilmember Kinlaw, Councilmember McKinlaw and others described the need for code-enforcement referrals at the time a truck encounters oversized piles so property owners receive notices and, if required, are billed for city removal.

Councilmember Everfield and others urged better public communications. The manager and public-works staff said the city’s website has been updated with collection-status maps and that staff will add expected daily routes and schedule updates so residents know when crews are assigned to their areas.

Why it matters: Recurrent illegal dumping and large debris piles increase operational cost, slow service, and can exacerbate drainage and flood risks. The master plan aims to balance enforcement, public education and operational changes to limit costly ad hoc cleanups.","Consultant NewGen Strategies is finishing assessments and cost-of-service work; staff will convene a seven-member advisory committee. Councilmembers and residents urged stricter enforcement of existing ordinances, better education about proper disposal and improved public updates about pickup schedules.",{"_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},6427077,"Port Arthur reports progress on hiring and a new wage-and-compensation plan; 121 budgeted positions remain open",698,2942000,3640000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906847-4edf623a421915400414a31813351aad&start=2942&end=3640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906847-4edf623a421915400414a31813351aad/thumbnail_2942000.jpg","/articles/6427077/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Port-Arthur-reports-progress-on-hiring-and-a-new-wage-and-compensation-plan-121-budgeted-positions-remain-open","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427077-64c9033f189af07c064f197df4aa3999/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845620&Signature=M8C10xjAO2w1EKXMQlwHmymrtXBw45SyszTdmVHd0eGEj5g2edQFJTq4k097~R2a7WrjCPANXwTfaoiVqqw4ApDXk-Wky9wVgL6ug6M80Q2scxfzT7Fg7ctWWKrpoX68mi1JSJ9e9qifKUIaEQpYC3s3oUiIULbLekKY39h4ZFUt1-FKdrT20f7Wfe9I8OJkCffjnWnCdqcoUxmZfQTOLF8HHYtzZgnxAqLvuiA7FoIZOmCeHDCuhserWDhujnTKaN5RXUQHcUAmm42Nr4zKK5YDaeSCUq6JU79hZH~UCk33I-0X6t3sSFhc6EG100wuam3ciqrNdz8E6X61wb26tA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Assistant City Manager Albert Thigpen presented an update Oct. 7 on the city’s human-resources work, telling the City Council that the city has largely filled HR staff positions and adopted a comprehensive wage-and-compensation plan that takes effect Jan. 1.

Thigpen said the fiscal 2026 budget added 34.3 positions and that the city has a budgeted workforce of 855 but currently has 121 unfilled budgeted positions. “Of that 121, we know that some are waiting requisitions from the departments to initiate the process. We have some that are currently in the interview process. We have some that are currently in preemployment,” Thigpen said.

The presentation listed recent hires including a controller, a director of public services and city engineer, and an assistant utility operations manager. Thigpen said the HR department is implementing the wage-and-compensation plan, training staff on the Munis payroll/HR system, working with recruitment firms, Texas Workforce Solutions and Lamar State College Port Arthur, and organizing job fairs and targeted recruitment for 19 new solid-waste positions.

Councilmembers praised the progress but repeatedly asked for faster movement on the “pre-employment zone” — the time between application and hiring where candidates often wait weeks. Councilmember Kinlaw asked the department to “capture that” process, including better tracking of applicants and a data bank to retain qualified candidates for future openings.

Councilmember Lewis asked whether exit interviews are tracked; Thigpen said the city performs exit polls and that HR would provide vacancy and salary actuals to finance for reporting. Finance Director Lynn (last name not specified in the transcript) said at-year reporting and the annual audit provide the formal actuals by department and that staff can provide more granular reports to council on salaries and vacancies upon request.

Why it matters: Filling vacancies and implementing the wage-and-compensation plan affect service delivery across public safety, garbage collection and utilities. Council members made clear they expect faster hiring pipelines, clearer public-facing listings and regular updates to track vacancies and dollar impacts.","Assistant City Manager Albert Thigpen told council the city has implemented a new wage and compensation plan, filled several key management roles, and is actively recruiting to fill 121 budgeted vacancies; council members pressed for faster pre-employment processing and better website listings.",{"_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},6427061,"Port Arthur says Fire Station No. 3 construction is on track for December completion; Station 2 design and land work continue",347,7615000,7962000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906847-4edf623a421915400414a31813351aad&start=7615&end=7962","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906847-4edf623a421915400414a31813351aad/thumbnail_7615000.jpg","/articles/6427061/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Port-Arthur-says-Fire-Station-No-3-construction-is-on-track-for-December-completion-Station-2-design-and-land-work-continue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427061-c98886113d9ecec4941b5f4ed37cda7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845620&Signature=PuhbOWfHQIXetD0e0D2hcP1jXsV2ZNm8FoE6AleFX4kE966KufTX6eanma~dkiyN9jAptMrfUuszGHgba7JdLUVDWp3HyKTPC43cp6J5MUJzHSQmvDfa6R-VXg0BUV56xA2YXTnmlEH-hlIYtUng9oZVnN4BJdM4mo7Re~qNrIXPC5u8K3OHWzv6LfCf8meilDQVuuK~mb0n6W-f3MhDdpxzr5t7qW2Byf5XvZayGsiUZL~J1NELGa5TMpecYn2vKK96Yb7VSuk2lYgyeekY5PD~sw4HDBov7n0lpTuvZM3LH8LeifIUMjlY9v9G3P6rc0H0vJ9wwWwXBhfdF2rNEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Port Arthur Fire Department reported progress Oct. 7 on construction of Fire Station No. 3, which is being relocated to the corner of First Street and Ray. City staff said monthly coordination meetings with the contractor and architect are continuing and that the project has moved steadily through construction since work began in April.

The new Station No. 3 will have three apparatus bays, an outbuilding for additional apparatus storage and about 16,000 square feet of space. Staff said the design intentionally provides extra space for future growth and equipment storage. The station replaces a building the chief said was roughly 60 years old.

The project’s current schedule calls for substantial completion in December; staff said they meet weekly with the construction team and will continue to monitor progress. The new Station No. 2 is designed as a mirror image of Station No. 3; staff reported they still need to secure a narrow strip of property (previously owned by a 501(c)(3)) before beginning pre-construction soils work and other site preparation. The city attorney is working with the owner on documentation.

Why it matters: New fire-station facilities and additional apparatus storage should improve emergency response and equipment reliability. Councilmembers asked staff to pursue the remaining property documentation urgently so work on Station No. 2 can proceed as soon as possible.","City staff reported the new Fire Station No. 3 is under construction at First Street and Ray, is a three-bay, roughly 16,000-square-foot facility, and is expected to be largely complete in December. Work to secure land and pre-construction studies for Fire Station No. 2 is underway.",{"_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},6427055,"Votes at a glance: Port Arthur council approves several contracts, allocations and appointments on Oct. 7, 2025",126,8825000,8951000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906847-4edf623a421915400414a31813351aad&start=8825&end=8951","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906847-4edf623a421915400414a31813351aad/thumbnail_8825000.jpg","/articles/6427055/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Port-Arthur-council-approves-several-contracts-allocations-and-appointments-on-Oct-7-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427055-15c752e0ea37a042b8c4c62f87c71946/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845620&Signature=O0-Abkm-6py4rYGnTmz5Acj2OghXmkGX~j4j9zVaOP7fUtCEGSACn0BWfEwRIHFC4u2uTvG51x2ZI7zUnSOkJIwUsVkINDP-CHuIXjTUFr0AAWRg9O5rGAvSNTPzTBfmvEH188m73DE1FmNBndbqvvcKkoU-YFcvPRk7JjMITWIju0~zP08BQUWH9QU8EjeOzq2SRwpeWfhHn-q8EG6jinTCD-S3K893t1Pr2gK5-UmNVTse6Yb4Q6L8zErYk~qRO-JayNrqPzN9e0wKvAYpawiFKcbUE1YTldjQLTFBHStJJUeGggX9QHmCu7X9hWMCjEGIgW19KYHAfpkbiJQIUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Port Arthur City Council approved multiple consent and non-consent items during its Oct. 7 meeting. Below are the items taken and the recorded outcomes.

- Resolution PR 24392: Approved. Authorized the 2025–2026 Jefferson County Appraisal District funding allocation in the amount of $278,335 from the general fund (account 0010701554200010000). Vote: unanimous on voice vote.

- Resolution PR 24399: Approved. Authorized the 2025–2026 Orange County Appraisal District funding allocation in the amount cited in the motion (transcript: \"$58,008,333\" — amount recorded as stated). Vote: unanimous on voice vote.

- Resolution PR 24525: Approved. Authorized purchase of eight 2026 Ford E-450 paratransit vehicles from Creative Bus Sales of Irving, Texas, through the State of Oklahoma comptroller’s contract (SW079C) for Port Arthur’s transit paratransit service in an amount not to exceed $1,325,280. Funding: 85% Federal Transit Administration grant matched with 15% transportation development credits; account 401705308523-00-60-000 (CAPTMOT, Transit Capital Motor Vehicles). Motion by Councilmember Frank; second by Councilmember Lewis. Vote: unanimous on voice vote.

- Resolution PR 24537: Approved. Third-year renewal of dyed diesel fuel contracts with Suncoast Resources, Inc. (Houston) and Tricon, Inc. (Beaumont) for a combined total not to exceed $900,000. Funding accounts listed for drainage, landfill, Pleasure Island and utility services. Vote: unanimous on voice vote.

- Resolution PR 24545: Approved. Second-year renewal contracts with Gulf Coast Electric Co. and Jefferson Electric Co. for electrical repairs and maintenance at various locations, combined not to exceed $117,000. Funding from operational and maintenance accounts for various departments. Vote: unanimous on voice vote.

- Resolution PR 24551: Approved. Appointments and reappointments to the Beautification Commission (nominations submitted by Mayor Moses and councilmembers). Vote: unanimous on voice vote.

- Ordinance PO 7368: Adopted. Zoning map amendment granted for approximately 31.27 acres (East of Veil Foster Drive and South of Maine Avenue) from low-density residential to Planned Development District 47 (PD-47) to permit single-family, two-family and recreational outdoor uses; violation penalties and effective-immediate-after-publication language included. Vote: unanimous on voice vote.

- Ordinance PO 7373: Tabled. An appropriation ordinance amending the FY 2025–2026 budget to increase the Water and Sewer Capital Fund 405 by $10,000,000 and the CDBG fund 148 by $1,118,000 was tabled at staff request; staff indicated the item was not ready for this meeting.

Why it matters: The approved items include capital and operational contracts that affect transit services, fuel and equipment availability, and maintenance operations; the zoning ordinance changes land-use allowances for a 31.27‑acre site. The budget amendment was tabled and will return when staff completes required materials.","At its Oct. 7 meeting the Port Arthur City Council approved funding allocations to appraisal districts, a paratransit vehicle purchase, fuel and maintenance contracts, electrical repair contracts, beautification commission appointments, and a zoning ordinance; one budget appropriation ordinance was tabled.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Port Arthur council holds public hearing on EDC sales-tax proposition, members urge clear ballot limits

Port Arthur advances solid-waste master plan; council and residents press for enforcement and clearer pickup communications

Port Arthur reports progress on hiring and a new wage-and-compensation plan; 121 budgeted positions remain open

Port Arthur says Fire Station No. 3 construction is on track for December completion; Station 2 design and land work continue

Votes at a glance: Port Arthur council approves several contracts, allocations and appointments on Oct. 7, 2025