Texarkana leaders face questions over A&P funding and water‑park sale; commission to review applications

Assistant Mayor Ulysses Brewer urged the A&P commission and city leaders on Monday to fix gaps in the commission’s bylaws and make funding decisions more transparent after complaints that some local applicants were bypassed.

"At the end of the day, it's all about transparency and accountability," Brewer said, outlining two reform options: revise bylaws to restrict funding to the traditional October cycle (with required published notice for any early awards), or shift the formal funding month gradually to March to better match event calendars.

The conversation grew heated after Director Roberts questioned why a water‑park property that, he said, could be worth millions was recorded in a deed with a $10 consideration. "This stuff stinks," Roberts said, arguing that the city should pause payments and investigate who truly benefits from A&P awards. "It has not been spent properly," he added, calling the fund "a slush fund for certain pet projects."

Several local organizers, including Rhonda Dolberry of the Juneteenth Scholars, said they filed complete applications on time and were told there would be no funding for 2026, only to see awards later appear for other events. "We turned it in," Dolberry said, describing her group's work mentoring students and asking for an explanation and fair treatment.

Commissioners and staff said the apparent timing problem resulted from an earlier decision about bond funding. Director Jewell explained that funds had been earmarked for a bond earlier; when the board later voted not to proceed with that bond the money remained in the city’s general fund and became available again. "No money has crossed from hand to hand," a city official said, stressing that reimbursements are issued only after invoices are provided and that payments can be stopped until ownership and payment questions are resolved.

To address complaints from local event organizers, commissioners pledged a procedural remedy: "If the applicants will apply, we will convene a special meeting," Director Jewell said, adding that a special A&P meeting would consider outstanding local requests but that not every applicant is guaranteed approval.

Assistant Mayor Brewer said staff and commissioners will work to put clearer process and public‑notice rules in writing so future leaders do not face the same confusion. He asked residents to submit suggestions and encouraged affected applicants to reapply to prompt a special review.

The board did not adopt an immediate policy change at the meeting; commissioners said staff will research ownership and payment details for the water‑park award and bring clarifying recommendations and possible workshops back to the commission.