Amarillo · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Amarillo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
East Gateway TIRZ #2 Boundary Expansion
The zone's board was scheduled to consider revising its Final Project and Financing Plan to expand the zone's boundaries. A bigger zone means more property tax growth could be captured and reinvested in East Gateway improvements, affecting which neighborhoods and businesses fall within the reinvestment area.
Ordinance Implementation and Board Governance
A review of how board members' terms run and how nominations happen — the mechanics of who serves on the tourism board and how they get there.
Visit Amarillo Strategic Planning and Tourism Initiatives
The board was scheduled to work on its first multi-year strategic plan to support local tourism and The Long Trail project, alongside distributing arts marketing grants to boost community engagement.
Film Commission Annual Report
The Film Commission's annual report covers efforts to bring film and video productions to Amarillo, which bring crews, spending, and visibility to the city.
Town Square Alcohol Sales and Land Use
A rezoning in the Town Square development would allow four on-premise alcohol sales businesses and remove limits on other alcohol-related uses — shaping the dining and entertainment mix downtown.
Parking Garage Security and Usage
A first-reading ordinance would amend parking fees at the Downtown Parking Garage — a change that affects downtown workers, visitors, and businesses.
SE 34th Avenue Railroad Bridge Repairs
The city committed its $433,250 share (10%) of a TXDOT partnership to repair the SE 34th Avenue railroad bridge.
Interim City Manager Appointment
Rodney Rhoades was formally hired as interim city manager at $175/hour plus housing, pledging calm, consistent leadership and a smooth path to a permanent hire.
Potential Forensic Audit of City Finances
The audit committee narrowed 13 firms to three finalists and will bring two recommended firms to a special meeting in early November. The audit covers CIP projects, ARPA funds, and the water/sewer enterprise, and must finish before the March CLA audit to protect up to $6 million in tax rate capacity.
Flock surveillance cameras
A resident asked the council to schedule a vote on terminating the Flock camera contract, noting Midland, Austin, and other Texas cities have ended their programs.
Water Utility Rates and Long-Term Water Resources
The council signaled it will hold the approved 11% water rate increase until the billing mess is fixed, while the sewer increase takes effect November 1. Members weighed conservation tiers, bond requirements, and future wastewater plant costs.
Utility Billing Accuracy
Five months after the billing conversion, an independent review says the math is right but can't explain the spikes residents are seeing. The council directed staff toward late-fee waivers, free meter tests, dispute protections, a relief fund, and proactive credits for everyone affected — not just complainers.
SPS Electric Rate Case Response
The council formally denied SPS's proposed tariff changes for large customers like data centers, joining a coalition of cities to argue new big users should cover their own infrastructure costs rather than shifting risk to existing households.
Library Privacy and Confidentiality Policy Accreditation
The library board is considering a new privacy policy to comply with updated accreditation standards set by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. This policy ensures patron records and reading habits remain protected.
Library Department Operations and Community Programming
The board will review departmental activities, budget allocations for fiscal year 2027, and upcoming programs across all library locations.
FY 2027 Library Budget and Departmental Operations
The board will review departmental activities, budget allocations for fiscal year 2027, and upcoming programs across all library locations.
Real Property Acquisition
The board is reviewing a repurchase agreement for roughly 257 acres near Pullman Road and Airport Boulevard involving International Paper Company. This transaction could impact local industrial land inventory and economic development planning.
Economic Development Incentives and Project Negotiations
The board is evaluating ongoing negotiations and financial incentives for several business prospects across aviation, manufacturing, crop production, and scientific services.
International Paper Land Repurchase Agreement
The board is reviewing a repurchase agreement for roughly 257 acres near Pullman Road and Airport Boulevard involving International Paper Company. This transaction could impact local industrial land inventory and economic development planning.
Firefighters' Pension Fund Investments
The board reviewed monthly financial reports, investment transactions, and actuarial statements to ensure the long-term health of the Amarillo Firemen's Relief and Retirement Fund.
City View Estates Unit No. 23 Plat Review
The commission was scheduled to evaluate a 0.91-acre unplatted tract for new development near Knoll Drive and Western Street.
Bellamy Park Preliminary Plan Waivers and Variances
Betenbough Homes is proposing a 308-home subdivision that requests an alley waiver and a variance to avoid connecting Moon River Road to adjacent neighborhoods. City staff warned that omitting the street connection would hurt emergency response times, worsen traffic in surrounding areas, and disrupt trash collection routes.
Subrecipient Program Updates
The Salvation Army and Transformation Park will present updates on their programs and how they are using community development funds to serve local populations.
Preliminary CAPER Report Presentation
The Community Development Department will present the preliminary Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, which reviews how federal and local funds were used for community development projects.
Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Municipal Budget Adoption
The city approved its annual budget and a flat property tax rate of $0.43070, though residents will face higher utility and service fees. Council members discussed the challenges of balancing infrastructure needs against household cost-of-living pressures.
Mandatory Microchipping Ordinance
An update on the mandatory microchipping ordinance will examine compliance and enforcement across the city.
Playa Lake 7 Drainage Improvements
Board members raised concerns about standing water and flooded pathways at McDonald Lake after heavy rains, prompting a discussion on drainage and stormwater coordination.
Aquatic Feasibility Study for Southeast and Southwest Pools
The city is evaluating future aquatic needs and pool options following the closure of older facilities, though the latest feasibility report was delayed.
Colonies PID Maintenance Contracts Renewal
The advisory board reviewed upcoming expirations for essential neighborhood maintenance contracts, including landscaping and tree care services. Renewing these contracts ensures consistent upkeep of common areas in the Colonies.
Colonies PID Financial Oversight
The board evaluated the financial position and outstanding budget of the public improvement district to manage funds responsibly. Proper financial review helps keep neighborhood assessments aligned with community needs.
Personnel Actions Review
The commission will review city employee updates, ranging from new hires and promotions to disciplinary actions and transfers, to maintain transparency and fairness in municipal staffing.
Parks and Recreation Department Budget Performance
Staff reported that the parks department finished the fiscal year roughly $1.3 million under its budgeted operating subsidy, with significant improvements in golf, tennis, and athletics cost recovery. City council-approved investments in centralized irrigation control and maintenance were also highlighted.
Summer Pool Season Review
After initially considering permanent closure of the Southwest Pool, the council changed course to study both Southwest and Southeast pools to evaluate repair costs and community needs.
Animal Management Capital Improvement Projects
The animal management department presented significant improvements in pet adoptions, microchipping, and return-to-owner rates, alongside updates on shelter infrastructure repairs.
Part 150 Noise Study and Community Programs
Updates were presented on the Part 150 noise study to address community noise impacts and the Taking Flight program.
Moderate Density Rezoning in Fairlane Acres
The council reviewed multiple rezoning requests across Amarillo, including residential, commercial, and industrial proposals like land shifts near Moon River Road and Soncy Road.
Airport Infrastructure Modernization
The board reviewed updates on several ongoing capital improvement projects at the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, including terminal repairs, road rehabilitations, and hangar construction.
Municipal Land Rezoning Requests
The council reviewed multiple rezoning requests across Amarillo, including residential, commercial, and industrial proposals like land shifts near Moon River Road and Soncy Road.
FY2027 LPPF Rate Setting and Mandatory Payments
The committee was scheduled to consider setting the Local Provider Participation Fund mandatory payment rate and its revenue uses for institutional health providers.
Transition of Public Art Programs
Amarillo is looking to replace its narrow mural grant program with a flexible public art program. This shift will allow for diverse art installations across various city parks and trails like John Ward Park and Rails to Trails.
Center City of Amarillo Services Agreement Renewal
The board will consider renewing its services agreement with Center City of Amarillo, Inc., which shapes how downtown promotion and development are managed.
PROTECT Grant Program Application Support
Local leaders will consider supporting a federal grant application aimed at making Amarillo's transportation infrastructure more resilient to weather and natural hazards.
2025-2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Revisions
The committee is reviewing updates to Amarillo's long-range transportation blueprint, which guides future road, transit, and infrastructure investments across the metro area.
Amarillo City Transit Coordinated Plan
Updates on the 5310 Coordinated Plan and a software presentation from Dee Dee Kirby help keep transit accessible and efficient.
Residential Development Growth
Developers are seeking to rezone over 21 acres of agricultural land near Temecula Creek Boulevard to Residential District 3, opening the area up for new housing construction.
Addressing Substandard Structures and Public Nuisances
The city is moving forward with multiple code enforcement actions to address dangerous structures, substandard housing, and solid waste accumulations across various neighborhoods. These hearings allow the commission to review problem properties and order necessary cleanups or demolitions to protect community standards.
Police Partnership
Amarillo Police are teaming up with Family Support Services to make it way easier for domestic violence survivors to get the help they need. Basically, police and support experts are joining forces to provide a smoother, more accessible safety net for victims.
Budget Debate
Amarillo is holding a special City Council meeting this Tuesday to debate and hash out the upcoming financial plans. If you care about where your tax dollars go and how city services are funded, this is the meeting to watch.
City Manager Evaluation and Personnel Review
The city council conducted a lengthy closed-door evaluation of the City Manager's performance and employment status. Such reviews dictate leadership direction and administrative oversight for municipal operations.
Contract Renewals
Staff recommended moving from a rotational model to an enhanced single-source towing contract with improved performance standards.