New fees for Animal Care and Adoption shelter and Fire Department services in Texarkana, Arkansas could increase today. The reading of an ordinance instituting over 20 fee changes will be heard and then possibly voted on by the Arkansas-side Board of Directors at their regular meeting this evening.
The proposal would increase the fee for renting the lakeside pavilion at Bobby Ferguson Park and ballfield in Hobo Jungle by $10. Demolition permit fees would change to reflect faster labor, shortening the $50 fee from a six-month permit to a 60-day permit.
Other examples of fee changes are: instituting false alarm penalties and a Fire Inspection Service fee for Nursing Homes, Daycares, and Group homes.
According to Finance Director, TyRhonda Henderson, the new fees could generate approximately $80,000-100,000 a year.
Directors will also hear a briefing on proposed ordinance by sponsor, Ward 2 Director Laney Harris, that would establish policy for public use of city facilities. Laney hopes to ensure that facility users will not cause unnecessary expenditures which are not covered.
There will also be a public hearing on 16 substandard structures and the board will consider a resolution condemning them. The structures are: 616 Ash St., 710 Ash St., 713 Ash St., 916 Beech St., 1301 Booker St., 920 Cherry St., 1624 Delaware St., 2306 Delaware St., 1020 E. Ninth St., 926 Grand Ave., 2901 Grand Ave., 920 Locust St., 206 Martha St., 1122 Mary St., 1009 Putman St., and 401 Ray St.
The meeting is scheduled for today, Monday at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 216 Walnut Street.
