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Texarkana board to cover January health-insurance spike, approves parking lot franchise and several consent items
Summary
The Texarkana Board of Directors authorized a one‑time payment of $52,452.83 to cover January 2026 health-insurance premium increases, unanimously adopted multiple consent items, and granted a limited franchise to David Boone Ministries for a downtown parking lot; a proposed mobile food-vendor ordinance was tabled for revisions.
The Texarkana Board of Directors on Nov. 17, 2025 authorized the city manager to remit $52,452.83 to cover a one‑month increase in municipal health insurance premiums effective Jan. 1, 2026, and adopted several routine consent items and an ordinance granting a franchise to David Boone Ministries.
City staff told the board the Municipal Health Benefit Fund announced rate increases that raise employee-only premiums from $662.50 to $841.71 (an increase of $179.21) and employee-plus-family premiums from $1,485.50 to $1,887.33 (an increase of $401.83). “The increase for employee only was about a $180 additional and about $402 for employees with family,” said Sheena, the city's insurance representative. Staff said the $52,452.83 payment would cover January 2026 while the board finalizes the FY2026 budget.
Directors pressed staff on causes and mitigation. Staff cited a roughly 150% loss ratio and singled out higher billed charges at some stand-alone emergency centers after Arkansas's no‑surprise‑billing implementation as a factor. Officials agreed to hold an insurance workshop before the budget workshop to explain options and proposed employee education intended to lower claims.
By roll call the board adopted the resolution covering the January premium increase with unanimous recorded votes: Director Jewell, Director Smith, Director Roberts, Assistant Mayor Harris, Director Hulibush, Director Brewer and Mayor Brown.
The board also approved seven consent items by voice vote, including approval of Nov. 3 minutes; declaring public works equipment surplus; authorizing a contract for a 500,000‑gallon elevated water storage tank; approving change orders for Nick's Creek sewer improvements; purchasing emergency lighting and a K‑9 kennel for seven police patrol vehicles; buying dash and rear seat cameras for seven patrol units; and entering a construction contract for the bi‑state crime lab and offices rebuild project.
On a separate ordinance, the board granted David Boone Ministries, Inc. a limited franchise to occupy a portion of the public right-of-way at 1800 Dudley Street for operation of a parking lot. Staff said plans and construction must meet city‑engineer approval and that the franchise agreement addresses liability and cost responsibilities. The ordinance was read in title on first, second and third readings and adopted by roll call; the board also attached the requested emergency clause by roll call.
The meeting ended with the chair setting a schedule for upcoming workshops and the board adjourning.
What's next: staff will hold an insurance workshop ahead of final budget adoption and will proceed with the franchise agreement implemention steps and required construction approvals for the parking lot.
