Dated, sourced events about City of Amarillo government and spending.https://amarilloledger.com/https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2026-town-square-first/https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2026-town-square-first/Ordinance No. 8273 rezones part of the Town Square mixed-use area from Planned Development 373A to 373E. It keeps the limit of four bars (on-premise primary use alcohol sales) in the area but drops the one-per-building rule set in 2015, and adds on-premise incidental alcohol sales by non-restaurants such as golf simulators. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended it 7-0 on September 21, 2026. No one spoke at the public hearing. It passed 3-2 by voice vote; the mayor identified the no votes as Places 3 and 4.Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity Council votes on alcohol-sales variances and specific use permits (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2026-council-other-first-readings/https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2026-council-other-first-readings/The same evening the council passed on first reading Ordinances No. 8272 (51.94 acres, 308 homes near Moon River Rd.), 8274 (17.78 acres, next phase of Heritage Hills), 8275 (9.07 acres, Tradewind Square) and 8276 (24.81 acres, 130 homes near Eastern St. and S.E. 29th Ave.), and Ordinance No. 8273 changing alcohol-use rules in part of Town Square, which passed 3-2. With Ordinance No. 8277, the five acreage rezonings total 459.00 acres.Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTRezoning land beside the Amazon fulfillment center for industrial use, and other October 2026 rezonings (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2026-council-ord-8277-first/https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2026-council-ord-8277-first/After a public hearing with no speakers, the council passed Ordinance No. 8277 on first reading by voice vote with no opposition heard. The City's senior planner told the council the owner had no specific development plans, was preparing to market the property and wanted the zoning in place ahead of time; that the tract is across the loop from the Centerport Business and Industrial Park and adjacent to the Amazon warehouse; and that the west 600 feet was left Agricultural so a zoning transition to the Eastridge neighborhood could be set later.Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTRezoning land beside the Amazon fulfillment center for industrial use, and other October 2026 rezonings (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-715-n-dallas-award/https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-715-n-dallas-award/Consent item 6.13 awarded Howell Sand $59,505 from general fund revenues to demolish all structures and remove debris at 715 N. Dallas, where the Condemnation Appeals Commission had ordered demolition; the memo describes 20 abandoned and dangerous mobile homes. At the meeting a public commenter asked why the City was paying a contractor after budgeting for equipment. City Marshal Jacob Diaz said the in-house program handles demolitions with Solid Waste, but this site, with 20 or more mobile homes and dumped debris, was too large for that crew at the time, so it was bid out for speed. The consent agenda, less item 6.7, passed on a voice vote.Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's dangerous-structure demolitions and the in-house demolition program (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-council-no-action-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-council-no-action-2026/After a public commenter asked the council to pull consent item 6.7, the $49,500 ARPA-funded renewal of the Dell UneeQ subscription for Emma, the item was pulled for discussion. The staff member presenting it reported usage figures, said the vendor's initial price had been negotiated down, and said her team was working toward a locally hosted alternative. Council members asked whether the ARPA money could be used for something else; staff said it must be spent by December and would most likely return to the federal government if unspent. The council agreed to take no action on 6.7 and passed the rest of the consent agenda; staff were asked to return at the next meeting or in November with options.Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTEmma, the City of Amarillo's website digital human (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-council-discussion-2026-10-13/https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-council-discussion-2026-10-13/The October 13, 2026 council agenda listed item 4.1, the advisory board's recommendation to amend Municipal Code Sec. 8-2-12 to require microchipping of dogs and cats, as a discussion item; no ordinance or staff memo was attached. An Animal Management & Welfare presenter described the proposal: dogs and cats over three months old in the city would have to be microchipped and registered, ownership changes would require registration updates within 30 days, a veterinarian's documentation of medical unsuitability would be a defense, and residents would get a six-month grace period focused on education. Mayor Cole Stanley said he did not think a mandatory requirement could be implemented or would be well received; Councilmember Les Simpson said he would support the ordinance. No vote was taken. The mayor asked that a draft ordinance come back, possibly in November, with definitions and consequences, expected benefits and municipal court enforcement costs. A public commenter spoke against the requirement.Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTProposed requirement to microchip dogs and cats in Amarillo (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-network-modernization/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-network-modernization/Consent item 6.6 on the October 13, 2026 agenda proposed $724,013.31 to replace network switches, wireless access points, firewalls and fiber at the Civic Center Complex (Civic Center, Globe-News Center and Pavilion building), including a five-year hardware and software license: $644,730.19 to Sterling (GSA contract) and $79,283.12 to Dan Monk Construction for fiber. Funding is listed as Hotel Occupancy Tax revenues and Amarillo-Potter Event Venue District funds (CIP #PRJ-0000130). Council approved the consent agenda, less item 6.7, by voice vote with no opposition stated.Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/cm-2026-oct13-interim-session/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/cm-2026-oct13-interim-session/The agenda for the October 13, 2026 City Council regular meeting, posted October 7, lists an executive session under Texas Government Code Section 551.074 (appointment, employment, evaluation, duties and qualifications of a public officer or employee) on "Interim City Manager." KAMR reported that Deputy City Manager and Chief Operating Officer Andrew Freeman had been designated acting city manager after Grayson Path's departure, to fulfill the office's duties while an interim is found. The closed session ended at 3:03 p.m.; no action on an interim appointment was announced or taken in open session that day.Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2026-ls19-design/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2026-ls19-design/The October 13, 2026 council agenda lists a $320,000 transfer from the Wastewater System Improvements & Repairs capital project to a new Lift Station 19 Relocation Design project, and a $319,260 professional services contract with HDR Engineering for a Phase 1 alternatives evaluation and preliminary design of a Lift Station 19 replacement, including evaluating consolidation of Lift Stations 16 and 25.Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-forensic-update-oct13/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-forensic-update-oct13/Under discussion item 4.2, Mayor Cole Stanley told council that 13 firms responded to the audit committee's request for qualifications, the committee scored them and took the top five, interviewed the top-ranked firm that morning, and planned to interview two more. He said the committee hoped to recommend one or two firms on October 27, 2026, and said he knew of nothing that constituted a criminal or fraud charge. Council members discussed a March 31 deadline and late-October or early- November timing. No action was taken (discussion item).Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-emma-renewal-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-emma-renewal-2026/The consent agenda for the October 13, 2026 City Council meeting includes a $49,500 one-year renewal of a Dell Technologies software subscription supporting 'Emma,' the digital human on the City's website, through August 15, 2027. The agenda lists the funding source as American Rescue Plan Act grant funds; the packet's funding summary reads 'Broadband Project - Professional Services.'Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-post-gm/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-post-gm/The City announced that Christopher Post, a 19-year City employee who had served as the Civic Center's assistant general manager, director of operations and event supervisor, was named general manager of the Amarillo Civic Center Complex, succeeding Bo Fowlkes, who retired. Agenda documents through October 13, 2026 list Post as Interim General Manager.Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2026-north-amarillo-petition/https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2026-north-amarillo-petition/KVII reported a petition drive to change alcohol sales restrictions in an area north of Plains Boulevard, between Western and Coulter streets, so that restaurants there could apply for mixed-beverage permits. The report describes a Potter County process: signatures from registered voters in Justice Precinct 1, submitted to the county elections administrator and commissioners, with organizers aiming for a May ballot. It is not a City Council action.Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity Council votes on alcohol-sales variances and specific use permits (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/grant-street-property/gsp-2026-listing/https://amarilloledger.com/events/grant-street-property/gsp-2026-listing/A commercial real estate listing, updated October 8, 2026, advertises 501, 509 and 517 S. Grant as a mixed-use office/warehouse property for sale at $1,425,000, stating the buildings were built in 1924 and renovated in 2024. The listing does not name the owner.Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity purchase and resale of 501-517 S. Grant Street (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-audit-still-pending-oct2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-audit-still-pending-oct2026/As of October 8, 2026, results of the $85,000 external audit of the utility billing system had not been released; ABC 7 Amarillo reported they were expected later in October. Councilmember Les Simpson said he shared residents' frustration and asked customers who believe their bills are wrong to send him copies with their 12-month usage history. The agenda posted for the October 13, 2026 council meeting does not list an item on the billing audit.Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-sfm-report-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-sfm-report-2026/The City released the State Fire Marshal's Office report on the investigation it conducted at Mayor Cole Stanley's request. The investigator said an origin-and-cause examination could not be conducted because the origin was in an active, hazardous disposal area that had been altered by dirt placed on burning material, identified Cell 10 as the area of origin, classified the cause as undetermined and closed the case.Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-first-inhouse-demolition/https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-first-inhouse-demolition/Solid Waste crews demolished a fire-damaged house on North Fairmont Street in the San Jacinto area, the first demolition under the in-house program, in the week before October 9, 2026. City Marshal Jacob Diaz said about 112 properties were declared dangerous structures. The City said it was still calculating the cost of the first demolition and would compare it with past contractor costs. Property owners keep the land after demolition.Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's dangerous-structure demolitions and the in-house demolition program (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-fy2026-27-budget/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-fy2026-27-budget/The FY2026/27 budget book (after council review) set the department's budget at $4,492,687 and listed FY2024/25 actuals of 8,632 dog and cat intake, 3,920 euthanized, 2,663 adopted, 1,313 reclaimed and 795 left through rescue, projecting 3,034 euthanized in FY2026/27. The budget ordinance adopted September 29, 2026 raised the daily care and adult surrender fees; it did not change the impoundment fee section to double fees on a second impoundment.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-fy27-animal-fees/https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-fy27-animal-fees/Section 10 of Ordinance No. 8270, the FY2026/27 budget adopted at the September 29, 2026 special meeting, amends Sec. 8-2-4 to raise the daily care fee for impounded animals from $5 to $15 and the adult-pet surrender fee from $25 to $50. The microchip implant fee charged on redemption, transfer or adoption ($15 labor plus the cost of the chip) is unchanged. The City reported all budget votes were 4-1.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTProposed requirement to microchip dogs and cats in Amarillo (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fee-fy2027/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fee-fy2027/Ordinance No. 8270, the FY2026/27 budget considered at the September 29, 2026 special meeting, amended the landfill use fee from $39.49 to $51.24 per ton and raised related per-load and special-handling charges. The proposed budget described a 29.76% tipping-fee increase for landfill equipment, personnel and engineering and dumpster replacement; a fee-change page in the same book listed a 24.08% increase to $49.00 with a $1,204,000 budgetary impact. The City reported the budget was approved by 4-1 votes.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2026-budget-hearing/https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2026-budget-hearing/During the hearing on a budget with an 11% water and sewer fee increase, a resident asked where the concern about water had been a year earlier during the Fermi vote. Mayor Stanley said the council thought it had made "a pretty good business decision" and that the City had never sold a water right. Councilmember Prescott said water shortages in area towns were "not because of data centers" and that aquifers were dropping because of agricultural overproduction.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo water supply agreement with Fermi America (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2026-budget-11pct/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2026-budget-11pct/The council adopted the FY2026/27 budget 4-1 (Councilmember Les Simpson opposed). The budget includes an 8% increase to water and sewer fees for capital improvements and a 3% increase for debt service on the $60 million Hollywood Road loan. Mayor Cole Stanley asked for a possible decrease if the consultant's study finds the full increase is not needed.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2026-27-rate/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2026-27-rate/Council adopted the FY2026/27 budget and a $0.43070 rate ($0.32412 M&O, $0.10658 debt service), the same total as FY2025/26, by 4-1 votes with Councilmember Les Simpson against. The City says the budget raises $2,063,963 (2.58%) more in property tax, including $1,295,675 from new property.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-audit-split/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-audit-split/Mayor Cole Stanley said the audit committee decided to split the forensic audit into two components, the water and sewer fund and community improvement projects, possibly with a firm for each. The report did not mention ARPA funds.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-committee-splits-scope/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-committee-splits-scope/The audit committee met September 28 and decided to split the audit into the water and sewer fund and community improvement projects, possibly hiring a firm for each. Scoring of firms was not complete; the mayor said the committee would pick three firms to interview and return in October with a recommended scope and firm for each component.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-fy2027-budget-measures/https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-fy2027-budget-measures/The FY2026/27 budget book (version after council review, September 24, 2026) reports 198 dangerous structures identified in FY2024/25 and 165 estimated for FY2025/26, with 126 cases estimated to go to the Condemnation Appeals Commission in FY2025/26. The City Marshal program is listed with three office staff and one investigator, and $330,000 is again budgeted for demolition of condemned property; the FY2025/26 revised estimate for that account is $81,890.80.Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's dangerous-structure demolitions and the in-house demolition program (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-fy2027-contact-center/https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-fy2027-contact-center/The FY2026/27 budget (after council review, dated September 24, 2026) describes the Amarillo 311 Contact Center as part of Utility Billing and as the City's "centralized hub for non-emergency services and information," answering for Utility Billing, Vital Statistics, Animal Management, Solid Waste, Community Development, Planning, Traffic, Streets, Water Distribution, Drainage, the City Marshal and other departments. It reports 62,361 calls to "311 (Operator)" in FY2024/25 and 53% of calls handled within three minutes, and lists 11 Call Center Agents and one 311 Call Center Supervisor.Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo 311: from a proposed non-emergency line (2016) to the Utility Billing contact center (2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2026-fy27-budget/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2026-fy27-budget/The FY2026/27 budget book (after council review) budgets $14,216,749 for the "Pmnt to CRMWA - M" line in the Surface Water Treatment cost center, up $4,965,794 from the FY2025/26 budget of $9,250,955, plus $4,021,325 of debt service on CRMWA refunding bonds. The book does not state the reason for the increase. At the September 29, 2026 meeting where the budget was adopted with an 11% water and sewer fee increase, Councilmember David Prescott cited a new CRMWA pipeline among large upcoming water expenses.Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-improvement-transfer-budget/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-improvement-transfer-budget/The City's FY2026-27 proposed budget book (after council review, September 24, 2026) lists the General Fund transfer to the Civic Center Improvement Fund at $4,490,541 (FY2022-23 actual), $2,892,992 (FY2023-24 actual), $3,420,630 (FY2024-25 actual), $3,028,387 (FY2025-26 budget and revised estimate) and $3,692,099 (FY2026-27 proposed). The book describes the inter-fund transfer program as including the transfer of excess hotel/motel tax to the Civic Center Improvement Fund.Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-fy2026-27-budget/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-fy2026-27-budget/The proposed FY 2026-27 budget book says the Southeast and Southwest pools were temporarily closed for the 2026 season while a third party evaluates their structure and completes an aquatic viability study, and that each pool needs new pump-room equipment and replastering estimated at about $700,000 per pool.Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-fy2027-workday-invoice/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-fy2027-workday-invoice/The proposed FY2026/27 budget (after council review, September 24, 2026) lists interfund-transfer changes including a $600,000 supplemental request for the Workday invoice in the General Fund, a $416,400 Water & Sewer request and a $48,000 Airport request. Building Safety's FY2026/27 goals include training staff and customers "as MyPermitNow transitions to MGO Connect." The City's Building Safety web page states that all permits and contractor licensing are issued electronically through MGO Connect.Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2026-tceq-order-adopted/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2026-tceq-order-adopted/The TCEQ commissioners adopted an agreed order with the City of Amarillo (Docket No. 2022-1576-MWD-E) covering 16 alleged violations at the Hollywood Road plant from 2022-2023. The $330,260 penalty is offset in full by a supplemental environmental project (screw pump installation), and the order requires further repairs within set deadlines.Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/turnover-cost-tally/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/turnover-cost-tally/Coverage tallies CM separation costs at over $1.2M across three years and notes additional executive departures (CFO, CIO, others) in 2025-2026.Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2026-lamar-award/https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2026-lamar-award/The council voted 5-0 to transfer $1,350,000 from PRJ-0000104 (2023 Drainage Bond Funds) to the Lamar Street at 45th Avenue project (PRJ-560208), then 5-0 to award Amarillo Utility Contractors $3,296,580 for about 1,360 feet of 36- to 60-inch storm drain and 8,500 square yards of seal coat, which the memo said would increase conveyance capacity and address historic flooding in the area.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2026-basin-phase2/https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2026-basin-phase2/The council voted 5-0 to award MH Civil Constructors $3,071,000 (base bid $2,951,000 plus $120,000 in alternates, BVB 415-26, West Basin) for Phase II of the Osage settling basin repairs, funded from water and sewer fund revenues (CIP PRJ-523952). The memo said the basin and several components had reached the end of their service life, that the work would extend their life by up to 20 years, and that construction was planned for November-February with a 140-day contract term.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTOsage Water Treatment Plant: filter, basin and chlorine rehabilitation (2001-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-cooper-council-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-cooper-council-2026/AEDC President and CEO Andreas Eckstein presented a purchase and sale agreement under which the AEDC would buy about 51.45 acres of the property at 1901 S. Farmers Ave. from Cooper Crouse-Hinds, LLC for $1,080,000 (about $20,991 per acre), with a 90-day inspection period that includes a Phase II study. The draft council minutes record a 5-0 vote on a motion "to take action on the purchase". The agreement includes deed restrictions limiting the land to industrial, warehouse or commercial use and an environmental release and indemnity from the AEDC to the seller.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2026-hollywood-boiler-aeration/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2026-hollywood-boiler-aeration/The September 22, 2026 consent agenda included a $211,000 professional engineering services agreement with KSA Engineers, Inc. for replacement of the boiler system at the Hollywood Road Wastewater Treatment Facility (CIP #PRJ-0000221) and a $136,605 contract with Tri-State General Contractors (Sourcewell cooperative contract) for concrete and air pipe repairs to Aeration Basins 1 and 2 at the same plant (CIP #PRJ-523954), both from water and sewer fund revenues. Draft minutes record the consent agenda passing 4-1. The aeration basin memo says the TCEQ agreed order identified the air leaks in Aeration Basins 1 and 2 as an issue requiring correction; the TCEQ commissioners adopted that order the next day.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tirz1-2026-swope-memorial/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tirz1-2026-swope-memorial/The September 22, 2026 consent agenda included a Center City TIRZ #1 agreement with Friends of AJ Swope for the First Responders Memorial at 1018 South Polk Street. It replaces a 2022 agreement because of material changes to project details and commits the same $120,000 grant, from Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone funds, toward streetscape improvement costs. The agenda says no funds changed hands under the original agreement and payment remains contingent on project completion and acceptance. Draft minutes record the consent agenda passing 4-1.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-2026-first-reading/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-2026-first-reading/On September 22, 2026 the council passed on first reading Ordinance No. 8270 (FY2026/27 budget) and Ordinance No. 8271 (2026 tax roll and a $0.43070 rate: $0.32412 maintenance and operations, $0.10658 debt), each 4-1 with Councilmember Les Simpson against, according to draft minutes in the October 13 agenda packet. The tax-rate motion described the rate as "effectively a 2.13% increase in the tax rate," while the ordinance's statutory notice says it "will effectively be raised by 2.9 percent" for maintenance and operations. Both ordinances passed second reading September 29.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-cooling-tower-chiller/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-cooling-tower-chiller/On September 22, 2026 the City Council's consent agenda included two contracts with West Techs Chill Water Specialist, LLC: a $465,411 turnkey replacement of the Civic Center cooling tower (TIPS cooperative contract; general fund revenues, CIP #0000129) and an $84,644 repair of Civic Center chiller 1, which the agenda says had multiple gasket leaks, a ruptured disk and a failed shaft seal (general fund revenues, CIP #411413). Draft minutes record the consent agenda passing 4-1.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-sept2026-wait-times/https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-sept2026-wait-times/During the September 22, 2026 council item "Utility Billing Customer Service & Water Usage Update," Utility Billing Director Jennifer Gonzalez reported an average August wait time of 38:18, compared with 5:12 in August 2025, and an average of 9.6 agents per day, down from 18.2. She described two call centers, one for utility billing and a 311 center for general information, with 311 callers who have billing questions routed to utility billing. Mayor Cole Stanley said he was "not sure that 311 is working accurately or efficiently."Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo 311: from a proposed non-emergency line (2016) to the Utility Billing contact center (2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-tensorwave-closing-extended/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-tensorwave-closing-extended/Fermi said a first amendment moved the closing date of its data-center lease with TensorWave from September 30 to October 31, 2026. Closing remains subject to conditions including guaranties, board approvals and project-level financing.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-engineering-fy2027/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-engineering-fy2027/The September 22, 2026 consent agenda listed an $838,754.19 award to Parkhill, Inc. for FY 26/27 landfill engineering services under the TCEQ municipal solid waste permit, including operation and maintenance of the landfill gas collection and control system, funded from the solid waste improvement fund. Minutes of the meeting were not yet posted at retrieval.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/fermi-2026-ftz-252a-phillips/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/fermi-2026-ftz-252a-phillips/The Foreign-Trade Zones Board (Order No. 2185) approved reissuing the Phillips 66 Company subzone in Borger, Texas from the City of Midland (FTZ 165) to the City of Amarillo, grantee of FTZ 252, and redesignated it Subzone 252A. Recorded here because the City's Fermi page labels Fermi's subzone documents "252A" while the Board designated Fermi's subzone 252B.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/path-resignation-accepted/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/path-resignation-accepted/Council votes 4-1 (Les Simpson dissenting) to accept Path's resignation, effective that day. Andrew Freeman is named acting city manager for up to 60 days; Strategic Government Resources will assist the interim search.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/council-update-sept/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/council-update-sept/Staff update Council on the billing issues. Mayor Cole Stanley says the City has "identified several problems" but "not one consistent issue." Staff report some bills still do not mirror usual usage.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2026-pz-sept-21/https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2026-pz-sept-21/The commission voted 7-0 to recommend case 2026-200-Z, rezoning 355.40 acres in Section 93, Block 2, A.B.&M. Survey, Potter County, near Lakeside Drive (Loop 335) and N.E. 24th Avenue, from Agricultural District to Light Industrial District, applied for by Furman Land Surveyors, Inc. on behalf of Happy Horizons Properties LP. At the same meeting it recommended three residential rezonings (17.78, 9.07 and 24.81 acres) 7-0 and a modified Town Square alcohol-use change 7-0.Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTRezoning land beside the Amazon fulfillment center for industrial use, and other October 2026 rezonings (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2026-ls40-pump-spill/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2026-ls40-pump-spill/The City reported about 200,000 gallons of untreated wastewater discharged at Lift Station 40, 7100 Cliffside Road, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. on September 20, 2026, after a pump malfunction caused the station to overflow from a manhole. It did not reach natural waterways; repairs and disinfection were completed and TCEQ was notified.Sun, 20 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-cooper-aedc-board-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-cooper-aedc-board-2026/The AEDC board's September 17, 2026 agenda included an executive session on the potential purchase of real property in the southwest quadrant and an open-session item on a purchase and sale agreement with Cooper Crouse-Hinds, LLC for 51.45 acres next to the South Georgia Business Park. The City Council memo later stated that the AEDC board considered it that day.Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/path-closed-session/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/path-closed-session/Council meets in a closed session exceeding 3.5 hours on Path's employment. Mayor Cole Stanley confirms Path submitted a resignation letter.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-2026-recalculation/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-2026-recalculation/At a special meeting, staff presented recalculated rates after errors were found in numbers used to calculate them (debt figures, a fleet debt item, and a TIRZ value deduction). The voter-approval rate rose to $0.45252; the no-new-revenue rate stayed $0.42170. After several failed motions, council set a not-to-exceed rate of $0.4307 (Stanley, Reid and Tipps for; Simpson against all motions).Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2026-east-amarillo-creek-spill/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2026-east-amarillo-creek-spill/The City reported that a sewer main failure discharged about 750,000 gallons of untreated wastewater from a manhole just east of East Amarillo Creek, between West and East Chaparral Road. Water Utilities was notified at 11:30 a.m. and stopped the discharge at 3:25 p.m. The wastewater reached the creek and possibly flowed toward Thompson Park Lake; the City advised against recreational contact in the lake and part of the creek and notified TCEQ.Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2026-pz-sept-9/https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2026-pz-sept-9/The commission voted 7-0 to recommend case 2026-188-Z, rezoning 51.94 acres near Moon River Road and Honeybee Avenue in Randall County from Agricultural District to Moderate Density District 1, applied for by Betenbough Homes for 87th Street Partners, LLC, for 308 single-family detached homes. Staff described the request as infill development.Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTRezoning land beside the Amazon fulfillment center for industrial use, and other October 2026 rezonings (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-2026-sep8-workshop/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-2026-sep8-workshop/The minutes of the September 8, 2026 City Council budget work session (draft, in the October 13 agenda packet) reproduce the taxpayer impact statement posted for that meeting, which lists a proposed FY2026/27 total rate of $0.44744 per $100, against the current $0.43070 and a no-new-revenue rate of $0.42170. Deputy City Manager Andrew Freeman and the Finance team presented; no vote is taken at a work session. Six days later the council set a not-to-exceed rate of $0.4307.Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-council-review-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-council-review-2026/At the discussion item on the City's use of cameras and a possible city-wide policy, Police Chief Thomas Hover tells council that ALPR data retention will drop from 30 days to seven, supervisors will run monthly random audits of each officer's searches and review flagged searches within three days, Flock data will be shared only with Texas law enforcement agencies, and live body-camera viewing will be limited to supervisors and the Regional Crime Center. Councilmember Les Simpson asks the City to explore an independent third-party audit; Mayor Cole Stanley proposes a council-appointed oversight committee. No vote is reported.Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-officer-charged-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-officer-charged-2026/Potter County prosecutors (reported as the County Attorney's Office in one NewsChannel 10 report and the District Attorney's Office in another) accept a criminal complaint against the former officer for tampering with a government record, a Class A misdemeanor. The complaint alleges he ran one man's license plate through the Flock system 76 times between February and June 2026 and searched the man's name twice in another investigative database. He turned himself in on September 1 and was released on bond; court records list 78 counts.Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-abbott-funding-pause-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-abbott-funding-pause-2026/Gov. Greg Abbott directs state agencies to pause funding for Flock cameras; his spokesman confirms it the next day. The Texas Tribune reports the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority had helped state and local agencies install at least 3,200 Flock cameras since 2023. The report does not mention Amarillo; Amarillo's council-approved LPR purchases listed federal grants and the general fund as funding sources.Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-kennel-renovation-2026-08/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-kennel-renovation-2026-08/On its consent agenda, approved 4-0 with one member absent, the council awarded Plains Builders, Inc. a $655,830 contract (TexBuy cooperative) for demolition and installation of new kennel fronts, tops, sliding doors and related work for half of the facility, funded from general fund revenues. NewsChannel 10 reported that the department's interim director said the shelter was built in the 1970s and needed daily kennel repairs; the remaining buildings would be addressed when funding allows.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2026-july-usage/https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2026-july-usage/At the August 25, 2026 City Council meeting, Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper said he had sampled the City's top 400 water users; in July 2026 Fermi Inc. ranked 386th at 310,000 gallons, with the project still under construction. The Amarillo Tribune's September 30 report gave the figure as around 300,000 gallons.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo water supply agreement with Fermi America (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-managed-intake-board-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-managed-intake-board-2026/The board's August 19, 2026 agenda listed "Discussion Regarding Managed Intake," along with the breeder ordinance, the volunteer program, a North Heights voucher clinic update and "Public Safety Concerns and the Stray Animal Population." Managed intake is listed again on the board's October 14, 2026 agenda. In February 2026 NewsChannel 10 reported that scheduled owner-surrender appointments were among the measures credited with helping manage shelter demand.Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/fermi-2026-ftz-subzone-approved/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/fermi-2026-ftz-subzone-approved/The Foreign-Trade Zones Board's Executive Secretary approved the application to establish Subzone 252B for Fermi, Inc. in Panhandle, Texas, subject to FTZ 252's 2,000-acre activation limit. The approval letter says the subzone lapses if not activated by August 17, 2031, and that the approval does not imply authority for production activity requiring advance Board approval. The approval was published in the Federal Register on August 19, 2026.Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2026-q2-report/https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2026-q2-report/Fermi's second-quarter 2026 shareholder letter (filed with the SEC August 13, 2026) said it had installed seven miles of water distribution lines "providing 2.5 million gallons per day" backed by a two-million-gallon storage tank. Its quarterly report on Form 10-Q (filed August 14, 2026) said a subsidiary entered six groundwater leases covering about 5,227 acres in Carson County in the first half of 2026. Neither document reports the status of the two wells, pipe and generator Fermi must dedicate to the City under the water supply agreement.Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo water supply agreement with Fermi America (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-2026-workshop/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-2026-workshop/At a budget workshop, staff proposed the voter-approval rate of $0.44728; the no-new-revenue rate was $0.42170. Councilmember Les Simpson asked to explore the budget at the no-new-revenue rate. Coverage reported total City debt of $566.8 million, about half for water and sewer.Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2026-ord-8252-final/https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2026-ord-8252-final/On August 11, 2026 the council voted 4-1, with Councilmember David Prescott again voting no, to adopt Ordinance No. 8252 on second and final reading, granting Specific Use Permit 210 for an asphalt or concrete batching plant on Lot 2, Block 1, 66 Village Unit No. 2.Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTRezoning land beside the Amazon fulfillment center for industrial use, and other October 2026 rezonings (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-council-camera-items-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-council-camera-items-2026/At Councilmember Les Simpson's request, three items were removed from the consent agenda: the purchase of 29 Verkada traffic cameras from Control Technologies ($343,673.16, COPS grant), traffic signal video detection systems ($260,790.20) and related signal cabinets and controllers. After presentations, no action was taken on any of the three; the rest of the consent agenda passed 5-0. Simpson also requested a future agenda item on the City's use of cameras for surveillance and security. NewsChannel 10's headline described the items as Flock cameras; the minutes and the article's body do not name Flock.Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-tceq-second-meeting-canceled/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-tceq-second-meeting-canceled/TCEQ's chief clerk notified interested persons that the August 24, 2026 public meeting in Panhandle on Fermi Equipment Holdco's proposed permits 183462, PSDTX1704 and GHGPSDTX271 was cancelled and would be rescheduled. No new date had been posted as of the retrieval date.Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-hillcore-new-ceo/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-hillcore-new-ceo/Lee McIntire became Fermi's CEO effective August 11, 2026. The same day Fermi entered a framework agreement under which Hillcore would finance, build, own and operate up to about 2.6 GW of gas-fired generation at the site under a ground sublease; definitive documents had not been executed.Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-dozer-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-dozer-2026/On its consent agenda, approved 5-0, the council approved a 60-month lease of a Caterpillar D8 dozer for the landfill from Caterpillar Financial/Warren Cat for $1,409,831.40, replacing a D6 dozer whose lease had ended, funded from general fund revenues.Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-rfq-and-software-errors/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-rfq-and-software-errors/As budget workshops began, staff said reports from the new financial software caused cash-flow figures needing correction and that staff were working with the audit firm to correct an ACFR footnote. The Tribune reported on August 13 that the City issued a request for quotations for a forensic audit on August 11, and that the ACFR shows $288 million in committed funds while the actual figure is closer to $207 million. The City's procurement portal lists it as RFQ 317-26 MRH, closing September 10, 2026.Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/fermi-2026-tensorwave-lease/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/fermi-2026-tensorwave-lease/ABC 7 Amarillo reported that Fermi signed a $6.5 billion, 15-year lease with AI cloud provider TensorWave for part of the Project Matador campus, its first binding customer agreement, with delivery to begin in stages in the second half of 2027 and the lease subject to conditions including project financing.Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2026-twdb-60m-loan/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2026-twdb-60m-loan/The Texas Water Development Board considered and approved $60 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for planning and design to expand the Hollywood Road plant from 12 MGD to 22 MGD. The City pledged waterworks and sewer system revenues. The planned schedule runs to design completion in June 2028 and construction completion on December 31, 2031.Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-abbott-audit-directive/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-abbott-audit-directive/Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Public Utility Commission and ERCOT to audit data centers moving through ERCOT's interconnection process. Fermi's quarterly report notes the site is in the Southwest Power Pool, not ERCOT, and cites the directive among state actions it says are making regulation of data centers more restrictive.Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-hours-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-hours-2026/The City announced that from August 17, 2026 the landfill would be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with the last load at 4:30 p.m., ending a seasonal schedule that had kept it open until 7 p.m. on weekdays from April through October. KVII reported the consistent closing time gives employees time for daily cover and other state-required work.Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-federal-document-requests/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-federal-document-requests/Fermi disclosed that on July 30, 2026 it received a subpoena from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York requesting documents related to Project Matador, the company and certain former managers, and on August 3, 2026 a voluntary document request from the SEC. Fermi said neither contains an allegation of wrongdoing and that it is cooperating.Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2026-ord-8252-first/https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2026-ord-8252-first/On July 28, 2026, after a public hearing, the council voted 4-1 (Councilmember David Prescott voting no) to pass on first reading Ordinance No. 8252, rezoning Lot 2, Block 1, 66 Village Unit No. 2, near Triangle Drive and Lakeside Drive (Loop 335), from Light Industrial District to Light Industrial District with Specific Use Permit 210 for an asphalt or concrete batching plant. The applicant sought to build an asphalt batching plant. A written protest by nearby owners required the votes of three-fourths of all council members.Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTRezoning land beside the Amazon fulfillment center for industrial use, and other October 2026 rezonings (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-claims-session-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-claims-session-2026/The council's July 28, 2026 executive session included consultation with its attorney on 'Landfill Fire Claims' under Texas Government Code Section 551.071. The minutes record no open- session action on the topic.Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2026-phase-two-engineering/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2026-phase-two-engineering/Phase One (master planning, preliminary engineering report, permitting analysis and facility assessment) was reported complete. The Phase Two professional engineering services agreement for Hollywood Road and River Road was scheduled for council approval on July 28, 2026. A June 2026 agenda planner listed Kimley-Horn awards of $9,397,700 (Hollywood Road II) and $12,874,250 (River Road II).Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-capital-transfer/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-capital-transfer/The City's planner listed for the July 28, 2026 meeting a transfer of budget funds from Capital Projects PRJ-127 and PRJ-128 for a South Exhibit Hall loading-dock door and two grease traps. No amount is listed. The council approved it 5-0 on July 28, 2026, along with a second transfer from the boiler project to Civic Center IT access points/fiber and the new basketball floor (also 5-0).Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-gagnon-departs-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-gagnon-departs-2026/The City announced on July 2, 2026 the resignation of Assistant City Manager and Chief Technology Officer Rich Gagnon, effective July 22. The release credits him with leading the creation of Emma.Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTEmma, the City of Amarillo's website digital human (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-windblown-complaint-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-windblown-complaint-2026/TCEQ received a complaint on July 20, 2026 alleging the landfill was not properly controlling windblown waste, investigated the same day and closed the complaint on August 3, 2026. The record states no notice of violation or notice of enforcement was issued.Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-officer-fired-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-officer-fired-2026/The Amarillo Police Department fires an officer for inappropriate use of department resources after a citizen complaint and an internal investigation, and refers the matter to Potter County prosecutors. The firing was made public on August 31, 2026.Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-forensic-scope/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-forensic-scope/During council discussion of a possible forensic audit, Mayor Cole Stanley said he had suggested three areas for its scope: community investment program projects, sewer and water, and American Rescue Plan Act monies, and said these were examples rather than limits.Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-council-directs-committee/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-council-directs-committee/The council discussed the scope of a possible forensic audit covering capital improvement projects, water and sewer, and ARPA funds. The audit committee said it would vet and recommend a third-party firm to the full council before any forensic audit proceeds; staff were directed to call a special meeting in August. Some council members said they had not seen issues with funds.Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-city-statement-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-city-statement-2026/The City said it was conducting an operational review of landfill practices, including issues raised in the TCEQ notice of violation, and would not comment on specific operational issues until reviews were complete. KFDA reported the Fire Department was preparing an after-action report and the State Fire Marshal's Office was investigating.Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-tceq-violation-resolved-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-tceq-violation-resolved-2026/TCEQ's complaint record for the April 30, 2026 complaint lists the investigation date as April 30, 2026, a notice of violation dated May 20, 2026, and the violation of 30 TAC 330.165(a) (failure to apply six inches of well-compacted earthen material to deposited waste) as resolved on July 8, 2026. The record shows a notice of violation, not a notice of enforcement. TCEQ's commission database lists no enforcement item for the landfill after a 2012 fuel-tank order.Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-study-award-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-study-award-2026/The Parks and Recreation Board voted to recommend an aquatics feasibility study to the council; KFDA reported a single bid of $150,000. City agenda planners listed a $99,900 award to Kimley-Horn and Associates for the Aquatic Market Viability Study, first for July 14 and then for July 28, 2026.Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-v20-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-v20-2026/The City's timeline says version 2.0 added conversational context for follow-up questions, along with interface and mobile changes.Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTEmma, the City of Amarillo's website digital human (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-nrc-draft-eis/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-nrc-draft-eis/Fermi says that in July 2026 the NRC acknowledged receipt of its applicant-prepared draft EIS under the NRC pilot program and issued a review schedule and resource estimate. The NRC's project page lists issuing the draft EIS as a September 2026 target and a final EIS as a December 2026 target, and lists tendering the third part of the application as a December 31, 2026 target.Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/audit-approved/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/audit-approved/Council approves $85,000 for an independent third-party audit of the utility billing system, drawn from funds originally budgeted for system software.Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-fy2025-audit-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-fy2025-audit-2026/The City's fiscal 2025 single audit, accepted June 30, 2026, lists no public health program labeled COVID-19. It reports $40,331 under Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity, $55,561 under the CDC's state, tribal, local and territorial health department support program (ALN 93.391), and $266,635 under ALN 93.967, the program the fiscal 2024 audit listed as "PHIG". The check register shows its last payment to Angel Staffing on February 24, 2025.Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-fy2025-single-audit-findings/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-fy2025-single-audit-findings/The Federal Audit Clearinghouse accepted the City's fiscal 2025 single audit, performed by CliftonLarsonAllen, on June 30, 2026. It reports $43,197,490 in federal expenditures and nine findings on federal programs: four in the Housing Choice Voucher program, three in the Airport Improvement Program, one in the SAFER fire-staffing grant and one in Community Development Block Grants. None reports questioned costs or is marked as a repeat finding. The City was not designated a low-risk auditee for fiscal 2025, after being so designated for fiscal 2024.Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-fy2025-single-audit/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-fy2025-single-audit/The City's single audit for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, by CliftonLarsonAllen and accepted by the Federal Audit Clearinghouse on June 30, 2026, lists $1,863,991 in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds spending for the year. The program was not tested as a major program and has no findings; the audit's nine findings concern other federal programs.Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-voucher-clinics-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-voucher-clinics-2026/The City announced a free spay/neuter voucher clinic for North Heights residents on June 27, 2026, with up to four vouchers per household, saying funding was secured with City Council support after the 2025 San Jacinto pilot (89 vouchers) and that 55 vouchers went to Barrio residents in March 2026. A separate City release on June 5, 2026 described free surgeries through August for Potter County residents inside city limits, funded by a Texas Department of State Health Services Animal Friendly Grant and separate from the voucher program.Sat, 27 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2026-council-mou/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2026-council-mou/The council voted 4-0 (Councilmember Don Tipps absent) to approve a non-binding MOU among CRMWA and its 11 member cities on CRMWA II. The MOU states the parties' expectation that CRMWA II be operational by the end of 2038, which would require CRMWA to issue construction debt in 2034, and that CRMWA raise its Capital Improvements Plan budget each year from October 1, 2026 for critical repairs and CRMWA II design. The City's agenda summary said Amarillo's annual contribution to CRMWA will increase. CRMWA's general manager estimated the project at $1.2 billion, about $450 million of it Amarillo's portion.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-gccs-adc-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-gccs-adc-2026/On its consent agenda, approved 4-0 with Councilmember Don Tipps absent, the council awarded Landmarc Environmental Services $1,279,655.56 for 2026 expansion and repairs of the landfill gas collection and control system, and approved buying a hydroseeder from ROMCO Equipment Co. for $116,530 to apply alternative daily cover at the landfill.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-forensic-audit-requested/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-forensic-audit-requested/Auditors from CliftonLarsonAllen presented the fiscal 2025 report, noting nine findings regarding federal and state grants, one described as significant. A first vote to accept the report tied; the council then unanimously filed it with the City Secretary. Staff had identified about $43 million in the community investment program fund available for allocation; public commenters asked for a forensic audit, and council members expressed support but wanted cost information.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2026-58th-extension-design/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2026-58th-extension-design/On June 9, 2026 the council voted 4-1, with Councilmember Les Simpson voting no, to approve Amendment No. 1 to Kimley-Horn and Associates' engineering agreement, adding design of the 58th Avenue Sanitary Sewer Extension (about 5,280 linear feet of sanitary sewer to support planned development) to the Osage Reconstruction project. The $246,000 amendment, not budgeted, is funded from water and sewer fund reserves and raises the agreement from $309,300 to $555,300.Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-acfr-acceptance-tabled-jun2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-acfr-acceptance-tabled-jun2026/On June 9, 2026 a CliftonLarsonAllen audit partner presented the fiscal 2025 report. Councilmember Reid moved to accept it; before a second was offered, the mayor asked him to move to table instead, and the council voted 5-0 to table acceptance until June 23 so members could fully review the audit as filed with the City Secretary.Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-biggs-mathews-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-biggs-mathews-2026/On its consent agenda, approved 5-0, the council awarded Biggs & Mathews Environmental, Inc. a $34,800 professional services agreement to evaluate and recommend changes to landfill site operations, funded from general fund revenues and not budgeted. Councilmember Don Tipps said the item was added at the council's direction. The City said no formal procurement was held because the amount was under $50,000 and the review was time-sensitive.Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-court-hot/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-court-hot/The Civic Center unveiled a new basketball court; ABC 7 reported its cost as $167,000 and its funding as the hotel occupancy tax, and the City put the cost at $166,746. General manager Christopher Post said the old court was "no longer really being able to be used" and the goal was "to maintain current operations."Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-acfr-fy2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-acfr-fy2025/The City's annual comprehensive financial report for the year ended September 30, 2025 lists $972,218 owed on the City's loan to TIRZ #1, $682,890 in TIRZ #1 property tax rebates for the year, $9,630,000 outstanding on the 2016 garage bonds, and LGC expenses of $2,259,604. Its TIRZ #1 note no longer gives a balance for the TIRZ #1 loan to the LGC.Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-fy2025-acfr-issued/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-fy2025-acfr-issued/CliftonLarsonAllen LLP's report on the fiscal 2025 statements is dated June 4, 2026 and states an unmodified opinion; it notes the fiscal 2024 statements were audited by other auditors. Beginning balances were restated for reporting-entity changes (the Amarillo Convention and Visitors Bureau no longer reported as a component unit; the COVID-19 relief fund reported as non-major).Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/fermi-2026-ftz-production-notice/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/fermi-2026-ftz-production-notice/The Foreign-Trade Zones Board received Fermi Inc.'s notification of proposed production activity for its Panhandle facility within FTZ 252 (docket B-64-2026). The proposed finished products are a constructed nuclear power plant facility and a constructed natural gas power plant facility. The notice was published June 11, 2026, with comments due July 21, 2026.Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-tceq-air-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-tceq-air-2026/Mayor Cole Stanley released TCEQ air-monitoring results. KVII reported TCEQ tested around the landfill perimeter and nearby areas for sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, volatile organic compounds and gamma radiation, with no detections, and that the TCEQ report said the landfill was following its standard operating procedures for landfill fires.Thu, 28 May 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2026-lawrence-lake-gmp/https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2026-lawrence-lake-gmp/The council voted 5-0 to set a $14,255,589 guaranteed maximum price with Western Builders of Amarillo for the Lawrence Lake pump station and force main (Playa 6), funded from "2023 Drainage Bond Funds" (PRJ-0000104). KFDA reported a 30-inch force main to Bell Street and capacity rising from 3-4 million to 15 million gallons a day.Tue, 26 May 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-compactor-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-compactor-2026/At the May 26 meeting City Manager Grayson Path shared a statement about the landfill and conditions with TCEQ. On its consent agenda, approved 5-0, the council approved a five-year lease of a landfill compactor from Cat Financial/Warren Cat for $1,423,978.20, the scheduled replacement of a unit at the end of its useful life.Tue, 26 May 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-caber-phase3-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-caber-phase3-2026/On its consent agenda (5-0) the City Council approved a Phase III renewal of Caber Resource Group's Workday consulting agreement, not to exceed $175,000 for six months, including a $105,000 transfer from the City Secretary department's operating budget to Finance. The item was not budgeted.Tue, 26 May 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-parks-review-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-parks-review-2026/In a presentation requested by Councilmember Tim Reid, the Parks and Recreation director said many of the department's playground, facility and lighting projects were funded through grants, the American Rescue Plan Act or department funds.Tue, 26 May 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-press-conference-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-press-conference-2026/City Manager Grayson Path said in a written statement that, after reviewing the April TCEQ investigation, the landfill superintendent was no longer employed by the City, and that he would work with TCEQ to cover exposed trash. Mayor Cole Stanley and Councilmember Don Tipps held a news conference; Stanley proposed an internal audit with a compliance component and a policy requiring faster City response to TCEQ findings, and criticized the timing of TCEQ's notice.Fri, 22 May 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fire-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fire-2026/A 911 call reported a fire at the landfill on the afternoon of May 17, 2026; responders found it in the pit designated Cell 10. On May 18, in severe fire weather, it spread beyond the landfill and burned 2,335 acres; 52 homes were destroyed and 25 damaged. The Office of Emergency Management ordered voluntary evacuations. The City said the cause was unknown. Its FY2025 annual financial report, issued June 2026, records the fire as a subsequent event and says the City was engaging consultants to evaluate potential risks and cost estimates.Sun, 17 May 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-verkada-18-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-verkada-18-2026/Council pulls consent item 4.7, a $128,404.26 purchase of Verkada camera systems from Control Technologies adding 18 traffic cameras at intersections for 10 years (funded by a Panhandle Regional Planning Commission homeland security grant of $127,533.26 and $871 from the general fund), hears Police Chief Thomas Hover, and approves it with the consent agenda 4-0 (Councilmember Tipps absent). NewsChannel10 reports that speakers raised privacy concerns and that Flock license plate reader cameras had operated citywide since 2021.Tue, 12 May 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-ftz-rebuttal/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-ftz-rebuttal/Fermi submitted a response to three opposition comments filed in April 2026 on the City of Amarillo's subzone application (docket S-133-2026), which raised water use, employment and tax concerns and asked for a local public hearing. Fermi argued the comments were substantively identical and outside the Board's criteria. The City posted the response on its Fermi page.Mon, 11 May 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-tceq-cover-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-tceq-cover-2026/After a complaint alleging improperly covered waste, TCEQ investigators observed a large amount of uncovered waste at the working face. Landfill staff told investigators that equipment used to cover waste had broken down about a month earlier. TCEQ issued a notice of violation for failing to apply six inches of compacted earthen cover daily, with compliance documentation due June 22, 2026. Reports differ on the investigation date (April 30 or May 7); KVII reported the notice was sent to the City on May 20.Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2026-58th-extension-discussed/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2026-58th-extension-discussed/On April 28, 2026 Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper presented a proposed wastewater extension near Osage Street and 58th Avenue, requested by the Williams Group for a development the Amarillo Tribune reported at an estimated 1,100-plus homes, in an area with no sewer main. He put design at an estimated $250,000 and construction at an estimated $2.7 million, and said the project served the public interest but was not in the master plan and had no identified funding.Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-haul-truck-2026-04/https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-haul-truck-2026-04/The council approved on consent, 4-0, the purchase of a Western Star heavy haul truck from Premier Truck Group for $160,111.17 for the Solid Waste Collection Dangerous Structure Demolition program. The memo said the truck was approved in the FY2025/26 CIP review and charged it to "PRJ-0000124 Equipment for Dangerous Structure Program."Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's dangerous-structure demolitions and the in-house demolition program (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2026-ls16-pumps/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2026-ls16-pumps/On consent (approved 4-0), the council approved buying two motors and two pumps for Lift Station 16 from Austin Armature Works through BuyBoard for $55,853.80; the item said the pumps had reached the end of their life.Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2026-hr2-public-meeting/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2026-hr2-public-meeting/The City held a public meeting on the proposed Hollywood Road II Wastewater Treatment Facility, a 10 MGD expansion next to the existing plant, and the council discussed the draft Environmental Information Document. The notice put planning and design at about $74 million, about $60 million of it from a TWDB Clean Water State Revolving Fund application.Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-director-retired-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-director-retired-2026/Victoria Medley presented department statistics to the council as director on February 24, 2026. The council agenda planner dated April 23, 2026 and later planners list her as "Retired." By August 2026 NewsChannel 10 identified the department's interim director. No City announcement of the retirement or of a permanent successor was found.Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-leadership-change/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-leadership-change/Co-founder Toby Neugebauer stepped down as CEO on April 17, 2026 and the CFO left within days; on April 20 Fermi named a new board chair and an interim office of the CEO. Bisnow reported that the Texas Tech University System was "engaged in good-faith discussions" to extend lease agreement milestones. ABC 7 later reported the board fired Neugebauer for cause on April 30; he disputes it and sued the company.Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-grant-debate-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-grant-debate-2026/ABC 7 reports that after council approved accepting a Homeland Security grant for more cameras, residents raised privacy and placement concerns. Police Chief Thomas Hover said the department uses about 80 Flock cameras, does not keep Flock data longer than 30 days, places cameras based on calls for service, and would release information to federal immigration authorities if they were working an investigation cooperatively with the department.Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-plan-update-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-plan-update-2026/Staff gave the board an outline for issuing a request for qualifications to hire a consultant to help update the TIRZ #1 Final Project and Financing Plan and the Downtown Amarillo Strategic Action Plan. Progress reports were on the June 11, 2026 agenda. No fetched source reports a consultant selection.Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-tirz-hampton-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-tirz-hampton-2026/The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #1 board agreed to a 10-year property tax abatement and a $900,000 developer streetscape contribution for a planned downtown Hampton Inn, pending council approval. A board member cited the hotel's proximity to Hodgetown.Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-resolution-04-14-26-2/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-resolution-04-14-26-2/The council voted 5-0 on first reading to adopt Resolution No. 04-14-26-2, which directs the city manager to study cost-recovery options for the FY2026/27 budget. Section 2 lists four Animal Management & Welfare items: higher daily shelter fees, increased adult surrender fees, returning adoption fees to ordinance levels and stricter penalties for repeat impounds, with the study to incorporate feedback from the advisory board and provide revenue and impact estimates. The staff summary said the resolution did not approve any fee change. The second reading passed on the April 28, 2026 consent agenda, 4-0.Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2026-chlorine-award/https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2026-chlorine-award/The council voted 5-0 to award Stolz Mechanical Contractors $4,950,000 (BVB 406-25 KD) to replace the plant's chlorine disinfection system, funded from water and sewer fund revenues (CIP 523440). The staff memo said the system was installed around 1996 and was becoming harder to maintain and susceptible to breakdown, and that a temporary backup disinfection system must be installed during construction.Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTOsage Water Treatment Plant: filter, basin and chlorine rehabilitation (2001-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2026-rate-study-crmwa/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2026-rate-study-crmwa/Presenting the water and wastewater rate study, Chris Ekrut of NewGen Strategies and Solutions told the council that Amarillo's annual CRMWA cost of about $14.25 million in FY2026 was projected to reach about $39.52 million in FY2036, and that CRMWA capital costs were expected to ramp up from 2027 to phase in future CRMWA II costs, with CRMWA II debt anticipated in 2034.Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2026-rate-study/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2026-rate-study/A water and wastewater rate study presented to the council recommended a gradual 8.37% adjustment toward about $1.8 billion in needs, including a planned $1.5 billion wastewater plant. The study projected that debt service could rise 238% by FY2036. The figure was described as preliminary; the council agreed to continue the study.Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-board-cost-recovery-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-board-cost-recovery-2026/The board's April 8, 2026 agenda listed "Discussion Regarding Cost Recovery Analysis as Originally Presented During the March 2026 Pre-Budget Workshop to City Council" and an update on a Barrio spay/neuter voucher clinic; the June 10, 2026 agenda listed "Discussion on Cost Recovery Data Analysis," intake and outcome statistics and a staffing update. Minutes for these meetings were not posted on CivicClerk as of retrieval.Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2026-april-board/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2026-april-board/CRMWA's April 8, 2026 board agenda listed discussion and possible action on the Authority's Capital Improvements Plan, approval of the FY2026/27 budget, and a CRMWA II update. The MOU later provides that CRMWA will discuss CRMWA II and the CIP at each April board meeting. The outcomes of the April 8 items were not found.Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/high-bills-begin/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/high-bills-begin/Following go-live, more than 55,000 customers receive larger-than-normal bills. The City launches a Utility Billing Assistance Form amid a surge of complaints about bills, usage, account access, and customer-service wait times.Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-q1-2026-report/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-q1-2026-report/In the Project and Expenditure report covering January 1 to March 31, 2026, as published by Treasury, the City listed 26 projects with total cumulative obligations of $39,676,317 (the full allocation) and total cumulative expenditures of $39,071,440.97. Seven projects still showed unspent obligations, the largest being the library digital literacy project and broadband infrastructure.Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/enquesta-golive/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/enquesta-golive/The new enQuesta billing system goes live. All customers receive new account numbers and must re-enroll in AutoPay/paperless; April bills are mailed.Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-ttus-collaboration-agreement/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-ttus-collaboration-agreement/Following what Fermi described as an exchange with the System about the project's future, the two signed a collaboration agreement. Fermi agreed to prepay $2 million of rent within 75 days and to place $9 million in escrow before December 31, 2026, to be released as amounts come due under the ground lease.Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2026-earnings-update/https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2026-earnings-update/In its fiscal-year 2025 update, Fermi said it had entered groundwater leases in Carson County and controlled up to 18.5 MGD of water supply, and had completed a 20-inch water pipeline across 7.2 miles of the campus and a water tank.Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo water supply agreement with Fermi America (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-acfr-draft-filed-mar2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-acfr-draft-filed-mar2026/On March 27, 2026, at a special meeting, the three council members present voted 3-0 to file the City's fiscal 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report; Councilmembers Prescott and Simpson were absent for the vote. The Amarillo Tribune reported that the 180-day filing deadline fell that weekend, that council members had received the draft the night before, and that the auditor said the draft could change before the final report.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-tceq-second-application/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-tceq-second-application/Fermi said it filed an additional air permit application with TCEQ for 5 GW of further generation, reflecting a target of about 17 GW of total capacity. The release does not give a permit number.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/eckstein-named/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/eckstein-named/The AEDC names Dr. Andreas Eckstein as its new president and CEO.Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-cutover-blackout/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-cutover-blackout/Utility billing is unavailable March 26-30, 2026 (no phone, online, email, or in-person payments) to prepare for the new system.Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-acfr-filing-tabled-mar2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-acfr-filing-tabled-mar2026/On March 24, 2026 the council voted 5-0 to table the item to consider filing the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025. The Amarillo Tribune reported that the CliftonLarsonAllen auditor said the audit was undergoing an independent second review and that a draft would be presented at a special meeting that Friday.Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-equipment-2026-03/https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-equipment-2026-03/On its consent agenda, approved 5-0, the council bought a Cat 320 hydraulic excavator from Warren Cat ($250,539.28), a Freightliner roll-off truck from Premier Truck Group ($217,684.81) and a heavy haul trailer from Warren Cat ($115,364.21), each "for daily use in the Solid Waste Collection Dangerous Structure Demolition program" and funded from CIP project PRJ-0000124.Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's dangerous-structure demolitions and the in-house demolition program (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-berrydunn-co-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-berrydunn-co-2026/One week before go-live, the City Council approved on its consent agenda (5-0) Change Order No. 1 to BerryDunn's enQuesta implementation agreement, adding $87,500 in consulting hours and travel for the extended project timeline and go-live date and bringing the total award to $766,600 (water and sewer revenues, CIP #523818).Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-nrc-eis-scoping/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-nrc-eis-scoping/The NRC published a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement for the four proposed AP1000 units and opened a 30-day scoping period, with comments due April 20, 2026. Fermi is participating in an NRC pilot under which the applicant prepares the draft EIS.Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/fermi-2026-ftz-subzone-application/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/fermi-2026-ftz-subzone-application/The Foreign-Trade Zones Board docketed an application from the City of Amarillo, grantee of Foreign-Trade Zone 252, requesting subzone status for Fermi, Inc.'s 988-acre facility at 688 FM 683, Panhandle, Texas, subject to FTZ 252's existing activation limit (docket S-133-2026). The notice was published in the Federal Register on March 16, 2026, with comments due April 27, 2026.Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-cost-recovery-workshop-2026-03/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-cost-recovery-workshop-2026-03/A City Manager memo dated February 12, 2026 for the March 10, 2026 pre-budget workshop said the department's FY2025/26 budget was about $4.2 million with about $128,000 in fee revenue, and listed four options: raise the daily shelter care fee from $5 to $15 (daily care costs about $13.18 to $17.47), raise the adult surrender fee from $25 to $50, return adoption fees to the ordinance rates of $50 for dogs and $30 for cats from reduced rates used since 2020, and double impoundment fees on a second impoundment with spay/neuter required before release. The memo estimated $130,000 to $140,000 a year in added revenue. The workshop took no vote.Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2026-lift-station-comms/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2026-lift-station-comms/On consent (approved 5-0), the council awarded Sentinel Power, Inc. $80,862 for communication upgrades to lift stations throughout the wastewater collection system, funded from water and sewer fund revenues.Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-staging-award/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-staging-award/On March 10, 2026 the City Council approved, on its 5-0 consent agenda, a $204,503 award to MityLite, Inc. for replacement staging components for the Civic Center (Civic Center Improvement Fund revenues) and a $97,281.07 change order to the Coliseum restroom renovation for structural work on a concrete slab in the West Concourse (Venue District fund revenues).Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-co-approved/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-co-approved/NewsChannel 10 reported on March 13, 2026 that the council approved more than $30 million in certificates of obligation for street construction and maintenance, including $12 million for the 2026 summer street maintenance program and $16 million for Osage Street from 34th to 58th Street.Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2026a-approved/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2026a-approved/The council approved the Series 2026A certificates, including $12 million for the 2026 summer street maintenance program and $16 million for Osage Street from 34th to 58th Street. The City's FY2025 financial report records $27,925,000 issued on March 10, 2026 for street construction (property taxes) and Colonies Public Improvement District park improvements (district assessments).Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-rfq-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-rfq-2026/The City announced both pools would be closed for spring and summer 2026 and opened bidding through April 2, 2026 for a Structural Assessment and Aquatic Market Viability Study.Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-tceq-permit-decision/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-tceq-permit-decision/The TCEQ commission's February 25, 2026 agenda included Fermi Equipment Holdco's application for permits 181009, PSDTX1670 and GHGPSDTX254, with requests for hearing or reconsideration. Public Citizen, an advocacy group, said the commission denied all requests for a contested case hearing, against the recommendation of the Office of Public Interest Counsel. NewsChannel 10 reported that day that TCEQ had granted final approval. As described in TCEQ's response to comments, the permit covers three GE 6B and ninety Siemens SGT-800 combustion turbines.Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-council-statistics-2026-02/https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-council-statistics-2026-02/At the February 24, 2026 council meeting the AM&W director presented department statistics. ABC 7 Amarillo reported dog and cat intake of 8,818 in 2023 and 8,453 in 2025, adoptions up 34.1% and returns to owners up 7.2% over the same period, and 914 microchips provided at clinics in 2025.Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMTProposed requirement to microchip dogs and cats in Amarillo (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-comptroller-report-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-comptroller-report-2025/The City's Chapter 311 annual report to the Texas Comptroller for reporting year 2025 lists $2,257,382 in property tax increment received, a $4,839,587 tax increment fund balance, a $139,519,786 base value and $176,485,407 in captured appraised value. Reports for 2022-2024 show increments of $1.63 million, $1.77 million and $2.02 million.Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-mimica-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-mimica-2026/On its consent agenda (4-0, Councilmember David Prescott absent) the City Council approved the purchase of four Mimica automation seats for $80,000 from bond proceeds, to further automate Workday processes and HR and Finance workflows.Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-cm-memo-hot/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-cm-memo-hot/In a February 12, 2026 memorandum to the City Council framing a pre-budget workshop, City Manager Grayson Path wrote that the Civic Center Complex is not a General Fund department and is supported primarily through its own operating revenues and allocations of hotel occupancy tax, and recommended a separate, dedicated council discussion of the Civic Center rather than reopening the full debate at the workshop.Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2026-netplex-second/https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2026-netplex-second/Ordinance No. 8234 passed on second and final reading by the same 3-2 vote: Tipps, Prescott and Simpson yes; Stanley and Reid no.Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity Council votes on alcohol-sales variances and specific use permits (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2026-scada/https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2026-scada/On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council approved a $189,005 purchase from Schneider Electric to upgrade the plant's supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system.Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMTOsage Water Treatment Plant: filter, basin and chlorine rehabilitation (2001-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-equipment-financing/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-equipment-financing/Fermi closed a non-recourse turbine warehouse facility of up to $500 million with MUFG Bank, used in part to repay a $100 million Macquarie bridge loan from August 2025. It also entered an equipment facility of up to $120 million in February and a $165 million turbine loan from an affiliate of Beal Bank in March 2026.Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-print-extension-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-print-extension-2026/On its consent agenda (5-0) the City Council approved a $72,615 extension of the utility billing printing and mailing contract with Variverge LLC through April 30, 2026. The item stated the extension was needed to go live with the new billing software and move to that software's internal printing vendor.Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-co-tabled/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-co-tabled/At its February 10, 2026 meeting the council approved about $11 million in debt for a fire truck and water and sewer projects. A certificate of obligation of up to $30,310,000 for streets and related infrastructure was withdrawn; news reports called it tabled, and the minutes record that the item "was not taken up," with no vote. Officials said the City was undergoing an audit and wanted to see whether it had money on hand to use instead of borrowing.Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2026a-tabled/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2026a-tabled/At its February 10, 2026 meeting Ordinance No. 8236 for $30,310,000 in Series 2026A COs was withdrawn; news reports described it as tabled, and the minutes record that the item "was not taken up," with no vote. The same day the council approved other debt that is not certificates of obligation: Public Property Finance Contractual Obligations for fire apparatus and Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, each 5-0.Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-construction-pause/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2026-construction-pause/Fermi confirmed in a statement that construction at Project Matador was paused while it waited for a final clean air permit from TCEQ. About three million square feet had been cleared for the first phase.Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2026-netplex-first/https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2026-netplex-first/After a public hearing at which five people spoke against and one for, the council passed Ordinance No. 8234, Specific Use Permit 208 for on-premise primary use alcohol sales and service by an indoor sports facility only, 3-2. Councilmembers Don Tipps, David Prescott and Les Simpson voted yes; Mayor Cole Stanley and Councilmember Tim Reid voted no.Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity Council votes on alcohol-sales variances and specific use permits (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2026-cmar/https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2026-cmar/The council voted 5-0 to award Western Builders of Amarillo a construction manager at-risk contract for new lift stations and force mains at Playa 6 and Playa 7 ($40,000 pre-construction fee and a 3.25% construction fee), funded from drainage utility fund bond proceeds.Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-fire-alarm-award/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2026-fire-alarm-award/On January 27, 2026 the City Council approved, on its 5-0 consent agenda, a $63,871.31 award to AV Corp. Fire & Security to replace the fire alarm system in the north end of the Civic Center, funded from Civic Center improvement fund revenues (CIP PRJ-0000128).Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-council-jan27-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-council-jan27-2026/The council paused the permanent closure of Southwest Pool; both pools were to stay closed for the summer season while an engineering study and a feasibility study were conducted. The City reported a 5-0 vote to close both pools temporarily and a unanimous vote for the study.Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2026-roundtable/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2026-roundtable/CRMWA's January 21, 2026 board meeting in Plainview listed a CRMWA II right-of-way update and a roundtable on CRMWA II. CRMWA states that each member city discussed its water needs and timing, that critical repairs (such as reinforcing pipe under Lake Tanglewood, highways and railroad crossings) were to be funded before a CRMWA II debt issuance, and that the parties reached consensus on a path forward. CRMWA's history page states its board voted unanimously in 2026 to move forward with a new wellfield and pipeline to be online in 2038.Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-lump-sum-paid-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-lump-sum-paid-2026/The City's fiscal 2025 annual financial report, issued June 4, 2026, states that after September 30, 2025 the AEDC paid off the remaining balance owed to Texas Tech in two installments of $5,202,676.47 and $13,653,467.33, the second due on or before January 21, 2026. The report does not give the dates the payments were made; the date shown is the stated due date.Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-voucher-update-2026-01/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-voucher-update-2026-01/The January 13, 2026 council agenda listed an "Update on Animal Management and Welfare Spay/Neuter Voucher Program" as a discussion item, presented by Director Victoria Medley. The minutes record no vote. A June 2026 City release said the 2025 pilot in the San Jacinto neighborhood issued 89 vouchers.Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-council-approves-amendment-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-council-approves-amendment-2026/At its January 13, 2026 regular meeting the City Council approved Amendment No. 2 to the Amended Location Incentive Agreement between the AEDC and Texas Tech University, presented by AEDC interim president Doug Nelson. The motion by Councilmember David Prescott, seconded by Councilmember Tim Reid, passed 5-0.Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-council-jan13-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-council-jan13-2026/The council voted to permanently close Southwest Pool and to close Southeast Pool for the coming season pending an engineering study. The resolution said both pools had exceeded their useful life and that inspections found structural voids and cracking.Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2026-netplex-pz/https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2026-netplex-pz/Case 2025-184-Z asked to rezone a 6.73-acre portion of Lot 48, Block 1, South Side Acres Unit No. 25, at SW 58th Avenue and S. Western Street, from General Retail to General Retail with a specific use permit for on-premise primary use alcohol sales and service, for Netplex, LP. Four residents spoke against it and the applicant and an associate spoke for it. The commission added a condition that the permit apply only to an indoor sports facility and recommended approval 7-0.Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMTCity Council votes on alcohol-sales variances and specific use permits (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-herring-incentive-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-herring-incentive-2026/The board considered a developer agreement with Herring Hotel Partners, LLC to turn the historic Herring Hotel at 311 SE 3rd Ave. into a hotel of about 200 rooms. The draft agreement provides 100% reimbursement of the property's tax increment for 10 years and a one-time grant of up to $900,000 for facade and infrastructure work, if at least $90 million is invested. NewsChannel 10 reported that the board voted to fund up to $900,000.Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-amendment-council-scheduled-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-amendment-council-scheduled-2025/KVII reported that the amendment could save nearly $2 million in incentives, that interim president Doug Nelson said Texas Tech was still owed about $5 million over the next three years, and that the City Council was scheduled to consider the proposal on January 13, 2026. The council approved the amendment 5-0 on January 13, 2026.Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-amendment-board-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-amendment-board-2025/The AEDC board approved an amendment to its location incentives agreement with Texas Tech University. NewsChannel10 reported that the remaining amount owed drops from $15.6 million to $13.8 million, paid in one payment at the beginning of 2026, subject to a City Council vote in January.Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-tenant-aica-terminated/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-tenant-aica-terminated/Fermi disclosed that the prospective tenant under a September 19, 2025 non-binding letter of intent notified it on December 11, 2025 that it was terminating a November 3, 2025 agreement to advance up to $150 million for construction costs. No funds had been drawn. The letter of intent's exclusivity period had expired December 9.Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-ord-8225/https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-ord-8225/On second reading the council adopted Ordinance No. 8225 (first reading November 18, 2025, 5-0), so that Condemnation Appeals Commission members are no longer drawn from the Construction Advisory and Appeals Commission. The ordinance says the commission meets once or twice a month, usually for several hours, and that it had become difficult to find volunteers. The same night the council took no action on appointments to the commission.Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's dangerous-structure demolitions and the in-house demolition program (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-renewal-2025-12/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-renewal-2025-12/On the consent agenda, the City Council approves renewing the Flock Safety ALPR system for an additional one-year term through Insight Public Sector (OMNIA 23-6692-03) for $255,000.00 from general fund revenues. The memo says the renewal covers 71 standard Falcon cameras, 7 high-speed cameras and 2 movable Falcon units. The consent agenda passed 5:0.Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-dec2025-workday-items/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-dec2025-workday-items/The City Council agenda planner posted November 20, 2025 listed, for the December 9, 2025 regular meeting, a five-year $549,424 Workday Success Plan contract (awarded through reseller Precision Task Group) for dedicated client support (not budgeted; funded from unused capital-improvement funds in the General Construction Fund) and a second six-month Workday consulting renewal with Caber Resource Group not to exceed $175,000 (general fund). At the December 9 meeting the council approved both items 5-0; the agenda names the Success Plan awardee as Precision Task Group, Inc. (DIR-TSO-4242), the Workday reseller, and lists the Caber renewal's funding as general construction fund revenues (CIP #414486).Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-sps-electric-service/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-sps-electric-service/Fermi said it executed an electric service agreement with Southwestern Public Service Company, an Xcel Energy subsidiary, for up to 200 MW of grid-supplied capacity, with the first 86 MW expected in the second half of 2026. Fermi says the site is in SPS's certificated service territory in the Southwest Power Pool region, not ERCOT.Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-tceq-public-meeting/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-tceq-public-meeting/TCEQ held a public meeting on the air permit application at the Carson County War Memorial in Panhandle; the public comment period ended the same day. TCEQ's response to comments listed more than 100 commenters, including Panhandle Taxpayers for Transparency and the Sierra Club, and made no changes to the draft permit in response.Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-staff-findings-dec-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-staff-findings-dec-2025/The Parks and Recreation Department presented its internal study of both pools to the council, showing needed repairs that "could eclipse $1 million."Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2026a-notice/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2026a-notice/The City published notice that the council would consider up to $30,310,000 in Series 2026A COs on February 10, 2026. The notice first listed park facilities and vehicles and equipment; a revised notice listed park facilities and street construction. KFDA reported on the council's discussion of the plan in late December 2025.Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2026-fleet/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2026-fleet/The City published notice that the council would consider up to $10 million in Series 2026 COs on December 9, 2025 for park facilities and vehicles and equipment for nine departments. The City's FY2025 financial report records $8,520,000 in Series 2026 COs for fleet replacements, paid through property taxes.Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-board-reappointments-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-board-reappointments-2025/The council voted 5-0 on each motion to reappoint Brian Bruckner and Randy Burkett to second terms on the AEDC board. Burkett's April 2025 appointment had been to a term ending December 31, 2025.Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-site-improvements-2025-11/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-site-improvements-2025-11/The council awarded Tri-State General Contracting Group, Inc. a $386,500 contract (Sourcewell cooperative) to demolish the shelter's concrete main walkway and replace it with an ADA-compliant walkway and a new drainage system, funded from general construction fund revenues. The item was pulled from the consent agenda and approved 5-0. A Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation accessibility registration filed in February 2025 had listed the project at an estimated $400,000 with April-July 2025 dates.Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2025-boiler-award/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2025-boiler-award/On November 18, 2025 the City Council approved, on its 5-0 consent agenda, a $422,770 award to Tri-State General Contracting Group, Inc. to remove and replace seven boilers, an expansion tank, a variable frequency drive and a hot water loop pump at the Civic Center, funded from Amarillo-Potter Events Venue District funds.Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-ttus-lease/https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-ttus-lease/The Amarillo Tribune reported that the Texas Tech University System lease conveyed the site's groundwater rights to Fermi and provides TTUS 25% of gross revenue from sales of water drawn from the premises, excluding water supplied by the City.Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo water supply agreement with Fermi America (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-pisd-ftz-indemnity/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-pisd-ftz-indemnity/At a special meeting, Panhandle ISD trustees unanimously approved a Foreign Trade Zone Exemption and Revenue Loss Indemnity Agreement with Fermi Inc., intended to protect the district from revenue loss if tax incentives are granted, and a letter of non-objection to a foreign-trade subzone in Carson County.Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-tceq-preliminary-decision/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-tceq-preliminary-decision/The Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision for Fermi's air permit, and notice of a public meeting, were published November 4, 2025. Fermi issued a release the same day describing the step as TCEQ "preliminary approval" of 6 GW of gas-fired generation, subject to a meeting and public input.Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-board-nov-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-board-nov-2025/The Parks and Recreation Board voted 8-1 to recommend permanently closing both pools, citing age, maintenance costs, leaks and safety concerns.Sat, 01 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-agreement-signed/https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-agreement-signed/The executed agreement caps delivery at 2.5 MGD from the City's Carson County Well Field, at two times the rate for a like-size connection inside city limits, adjusted annually. The term is 20 years with two optional 10-year renewals. Fermi must build and dedicate two wells, connecting pipe and a backup generator for existing pump stations by January 2027. Deliveries are subject to the City's Drought Contingency Plan.Thu, 30 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo water supply agreement with Fermi America (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-govtech-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-govtech-2025/Rich Gagnon said Emma, deployed in December 2024, was answering 16,000 of about 32,000 questions a month taken by City call center agents, had let the City delay a $1.8 million investment in new call center agents, and supported English and Spanish with five more languages coming.Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTEmma, the City of Amarillo's website digital human (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/grant-street-property/gsp-2025-517-maintenance/https://amarilloledger.com/events/grant-street-property/gsp-2025-517-maintenance/On the consent agenda, approved 5-0, the council approved Change Order No. 3 to the Reeder Landscape maintenance contract adding three properties, including 500 South Grant and 517 South Grant. The memo said the properties "are owned by the City of Amarillo," had not been consistently maintained, and had recently received weed violation notices from the City Marshal's Office. The memo does not mention 501 or 509 S. Grant or the 2024 sale contract.Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity purchase and resale of 501-517 S. Grant Street (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-herring-380-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-herring-380-2025/Before the TIRZ #1 board took up its own Herring Hotel incentive in January 2026, the council approved a City Chapter 380 economic development agreement with Herring Hotel Partners, LLC for the historic hotel at 311 SE 3rd Ave. The vote was 4-0, after Councilmember Tim Reid had left the meeting. The agreement rebates the City's hotel occupancy tax (100% for five years, then 50% for five) and, subject to State approval, the State's sales and hotel occupancy taxes for 10 years. Payment depends on at least $90 million in private investment and completion of a hotel of about 200 rooms.Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2025-court-purchase/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2025-court-purchase/On October 28, 2025 the City Council approved, on its 5-0 consent agenda, the purchase of a new modular basketball court for the Civic Center Complex from RFS Sports through a TIPS cooperative contract for $166,746, funded from Amarillo-Potter Event Venue District fund revenues.Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-second-reading/https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-second-reading/The council voted 4-1 to authorize the agreement, with Councilmember Les Simpson voting no. Simpson said he supported the project but that the City should have negotiated a higher rate. The agreement text was not in the posted agenda packet; Mayor Stanley said it was still a draft under negotiation when the agenda was posted.Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo water supply agreement with Fermi America (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2025-20m-state-grant/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2025-20m-state-grant/The council approved a resolution to obtain $20 million the 89th Legislature appropriated for Amarillo's wastewater treatment plants, administered by the Texas Water Development Board. TWDB staff recommended the grant agreement at the board's December 16, 2025 meeting.Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-carson-abatement/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-carson-abatement/After about an hour of public comment and an executive session, the Carson County Commissioners Court voted 5-0 to approve a tax abatement agreement with Fermi America. As reported, the agreement divides the project into 15 phases, each eligible for a 10-year abatement once operational, with payments in lieu of taxes of $2,500 to $2,750 per megawatt of generation and $3 per square foot of data-center space. Fermi's release and SEC filings describe a 10-year abatement and a reinvestment zone.Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-prescott-analysis/https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-prescott-analysis/Councilmember David Prescott shared calculations based on Texas Water Development Board data comparing Fermi's potential use at 2.5 to 10 MGD with Carson County and regional water use.Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo water supply agreement with Fermi America (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-hilltop-declared-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-hilltop-declared-2025/The City declared the vacant former Hilltop Apartments in North Heights, across the street from an elementary school, a dangerous structure on October 15, 2025, after renewed complaints. City Marshal Jacob Diaz said the case would go to the Condemnation Appeals Commission, with a hearing set for February 5, 2026, and that the process can take three to six months.Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's dangerous-structure demolitions and the in-house demolition program (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-courtyard-assignment-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-courtyard-assignment-2025/Summit Hotel Properties, owner of the downtown Courtyard by Marriott at 724 S. Polk St., was selling the hotel. The council voted 4-1, with Mayor Cole Stanley voting no, to let Summit NCI JV 177, LLC assign the hotel's 2008 TIRZ #1 incentive agreement to the buyer, 724 S. Polk Street Operating, LLC. Staff reported $808,671.01 paid through September 2025 under the agreement's $1,657,716 cap, leaving up to $849,044.99 over about six more years. Trade press reported that the sale to an affiliate of Amarillo-based KAMP Hotels closed October 20, 2025.Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-parc-agreement-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-parc-agreement-2025/The council approved a TIRZ #1 developer agreement with the Panhandle Adult Rebuilding Center (The PARC) for a grant of up to $55,775 toward downtown streetscape improvements at its new facility at 413 SW 6th. The TIRZ #1 board had approved the request unanimously on February 13, 2025.Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-first-reading/https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-first-reading/After a presentation by Fermi and Texas Tech officials and public comment, the council voted 5-0 on first reading of a resolution authorizing a water supply agreement for up to 2.5 MGD at twice the normal rate over an initial 20-year term. Mayor Cole Stanley presented figures comparing Fermi's potential use with regional groundwater pumping. Staff were to revise the terms before a second reading.Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo water supply agreement with Fermi America (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-loi-questions/https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-loi-questions/A nonprofit, Panhandle Taxpayers for Transparency, sent the council a letter questioning Fermi's statement that it had a letter of intent with the City for millions of gallons of water per day. Councilmember Les Simpson said a non-binding letter of intent existed and that any contract required a public council vote; Councilmember Don Tipps said the City had not entered into any binding agreement to sell water to Fermi.Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo water supply agreement with Fermi America (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-fy2025-26-budget/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-fy2025-26-budget/The FY2025/26 budget book set the department's budget at $4,235,878 with $128,091 in revenue, and listed FY2023/24 actual spending of $3,692,578. Performance measures listed FY2023/24 actuals of 8,684 total intake, 3,950 euthanized, 2,366 adopted and 1,199 reclaimed. The narrative said the department had begun implementing a spay/neuter voucher program, completed body-camera and intake-camera deployments and continued kennel renovations.Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-board-updates/https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-board-updates/The board's agendas for October 1, 2025, February 11, 2026, April 8, 2026, June 10, 2026 and August 19, 2026 each listed an "Update Regarding Mandatory Microchipping Ordinance." Minutes for these meetings were not posted on CivicClerk as of retrieval.Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTProposed requirement to microchip dogs and cats in Amarillo (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-fy2026-staffing/https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-fy2026-staffing/The FY2025/26 budget's Utilities Office position list includes 11 311 Call Center Agents, two Call Center Leads and one 311 Call Center Supervisor, in a department of 79 positions (76.40 FTE) that now also includes Meter Operations.Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo 311: from a proposed non-emergency line (2016) to the Utility Billing contact center (2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-rates-fy2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-rates-fy2026/The City's FY2025 annual financial report says the 2025/26 budget increased solid waste rates 26.1% for commercial and 3.8% for residential customers, for equipment and personnel for a dangerous-structure removal program, capital projects and engineering services at the landfill, and residential dumpster replacement costs. The one-family residential fee rose from $24.18 to $25.10 a month.Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/fermi-2025-ipo/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/fermi-2025-ipo/Fermi Inc., an Amarillo-based company co-founded by former Texas Governor Rick Perry, priced its IPO at $21 per share on September 30, 2025, raising $682.5 million, and began trading on Nasdaq under FRMI on October 1, 2025. It described itself as a pre-revenue real estate investment trust developing Project Matador on land leased from the Texas Tech University System.Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-closure-liability/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-closure-liability/Note 13 of the City's audited financial statements records an accrued liability for landfill closure and postclosure care of $6,474,290 at September 30, 2025, up from $5,194,715 at September 30, 2022. The note says an engineer estimated full closure at about $11.8 million and postclosure care at about $3.5 million in current dollars, and that the City meets state financial-assurance rules through the local government financial test.Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-workday-finance/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-workday-finance/The FY2025/26 budget book listed "Workday for Finance" and "Teller and Paymentus implementations" among notable IT initiatives, and its IT staffing proposal noted that an applications-specialist role might be cut if Finance took over Workday reporting, or backfilled for Workday support if reporting stayed in IT. Check-register payments to Collaborative Solutions end May 29, 2025.Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-fiber-complete/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-fiber-complete/The City and AT&T announced completion of the fiber project after three years, with a combined $24 million reaching over 20,000 locations; a ribbon-cutting was held at the Maverick Boys and Girls Club.Fri, 26 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-mou/https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-mou/A non-binding memorandum of understanding stated the parties' intent to explore agreements for the City to provide up to 10 MGD of potable water in three phases between January 2026 and January 2027, at 1.5 times or more the in-city rate for a like-size connection, with Fermi paying for the public improvements. Either party could end it on 60 days' notice.Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo water supply agreement with Fermi America (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2025-regional-plan-2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2025-regional-plan-2026/The Panhandle Water Planning Group adopted the 2026 Panhandle Water Plan, which describes CRMWA II as a new 67-mile pipeline from Roberts County, costed for a 72-inch pipe, and estimates the cost of the well field expansion including the CRMWA II pipeline at about $800 million (September 2023 prices). The plan states that Amarillo considered moving its own Roberts/Ochiltree water through CRMWA II but decided to develop that water independently. The TWDB approved the 2026 regional water plans on January 22, 2026.Wed, 24 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2025-design-change-order/https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2025-design-change-order/On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council approved Change Order No. 1 to KSA Engineers' Sedimentation Basin Phase I and II Design contract, listing an original award of $395,000 and a revised total of $436,000.Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTOsage Water Treatment Plant: filter, basin and chlorine rehabilitation (2001-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-exec-session/https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-exec-session/At a September 23, 2025 work session, the City Council convened in executive session under Texas Government Code sections 551.071 (consultation with attorney) and 551.087 (economic development negotiations) on a "Water Supply Agreement with Fermi America." The minutes record no action; the session ran from 12:02 PM to 2:51 PM and also covered two unrelated items.Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo water supply agreement with Fermi America (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-golive-extension-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-golive-extension-2025/The City Council approved Change Order No. 1 to the utility billing and customer information system contract with Systems and Software (enQuesta), extending the go-live date from November 3, 2025 to March 30, 2026. The change order added $240,480, bringing the total award to $7,227,635 (water and sewer fund). The item was removed from the consent agenda, presented by the Assistant City Manager/CIO and the Utility Billing Manager, and approved 5-0.Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-budget-adopted-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-budget-adopted-2025/The council unanimously adopted the FY2025/26 budget, which the City's release said included "a new Dangerous Structure Removal Team." The budget book lists $715,000 in the Solid Waste Disposal Improvement Fund for the initial equipment of a dangerous structure demolition program (excavator, haul truck and trailer, roll-off truck and two roll-off containers), two new Solid Waste Equipment Operator positions and one Dangerous Structure Specialist in the City Marshal's Office. It raised solid waste rates 26.1% for commercial and 3.8% for residential customers, citing the program among other costs, and budgeted $330,000 for demolition of condemned property in the City Marshal's general fund budget.Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's dangerous-structure demolitions and the in-house demolition program (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fee-fy2026/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fee-fy2026/Section 6 of Ordinance No. 8218, the FY2025/26 budget, amended Sec. 8-3-94 to raise the landfill use fee from $38.34 to $39.49 per ton and raised the per-load fees in the volume table. The council adopted the ordinance on second and final reading at a special meeting on September 16, 2025 by a 5:0 vote. The FY2024/25 budget ordinance (No. 8152) had not amended Sec. 8-3-94.Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2025-26-rate/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2025-26-rate/Council unanimously adopted a $0.43070 rate (from $0.38723), equal to the voter-approval rate; the no-new-revenue rate was $0.37355. The debt-service part went from $0.06856 to $0.09956 and the M&O part from $0.31867 to $0.33114. The budget notice states property-tax revenue rises $8,475,975 (11.77%).Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2025-lawrence-lake-design/https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2025-lawrence-lake-design/On the consent agenda approved 4-0, the council approved buying land at 3437 W. I-40 for a Lawrence Lake pump station ($600,000 plus closing costs) and a $4,398,836 Freese and Nichols design contract for a new force main and stand-alone pump stations to pump the lake at double the current rate to West Amarillo Creek, both from drainage bond proceeds.Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-renewal-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-renewal-2025/Consent item 7.U awarded Dell $252,489.97 for the annual renewal of the digital human agreement, funded by "American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Broadband/Digital inclusion federal funding." The consent agenda passed 4-0 with Councilmember David Prescott absent.Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTEmma, the City of Amarillo's website digital human (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2025-council-update/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2025-council-update/CRMWA General Manager Drew Satterwhite gave the council an update on CRMWA's history, Lake Meredith, the Roberts County well field and the planned additional 70-mile pipeline, which he said would bypass the original aqueduct and provide redundancy for Amarillo. Asked by Councilmember Don Tipps about Fermi America's campus, he said CRMWA's models were not forecasting that Fermi's demand would come from CRMWA.Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2025-improvements-discussion/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2025-improvements-discussion/The City's planner listed for the September 9, 2025 meeting a discussion of improvements to the Civic Center Complex and a concession agreement guaranteeing the City a minimum of $500,000 per year. The planner does not record outcomes. On September 23, 2025 the council voted 5-0 to approve the concession agreement with Corkscrew Foods.Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-hb7-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-hb7-2025/The Amarillo Tribune reported in September 2025 that Texas House Bill 7, which prohibits the manufacture, distribution and mailing of abortion-inducing drugs and is enforced through private lawsuits, had passed both chambers and awaited the governor's signature. The founder of the Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn Initiative said the issue had been addressed in the ordinance Amarillo voters rejected; the Amarillo Reproductive Freedom Alliance compared the bill's enforcement to that ordinance's.Mon, 08 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-nrc-acceptance/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-nrc-acceptance/Fermi submitted Part 2 of its COL application (non-site-specific safety analysis chapters) on August 20, 2025. By letter dated September 5, 2025 the NRC accepted Parts 1 and 2 for docketing; the NRC said it would complete its acceptance review of the full application when the third part is submitted.Fri, 05 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-vendor-case-studies-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-vendor-case-studies-2025/Dell's case study (dated September 2025) and an undated UneeQ case study describe Emma and report usage, satisfaction and projected savings figures. Both are vendor marketing materials.Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMTEmma, the City of Amarillo's website digital human (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2025-playa7-design/https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2025-playa7-design/On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council awarded Halff Associates $2,425,000 for design and construction services for a Playa 7 pump station and a force main down Soncy Road to West Amarillo Creek, from drainage bond proceeds. An August 25, 2026 amendment ($393,812) raised it to $2,818,812 after the force main route was moved next to Soncy Road.Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2025-revised-plan/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2025-revised-plan/The City gave an update following "regular and numerous malfunctions at the plants." Staff proposed rehabilitating or repurposing parts of the Hollywood Road plant, building a smaller facility, and assessing River Road, in place of one new centralized plant. Staff said the cost would fall from a high estimate of $2-3 billion to under $1.5 billion.Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-v15-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-v15-2025/The City's timeline says version 1.5 introduced a more natural conversational style and better guidance to the correct City web pages.Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMTEmma, the City of Amarillo's website digital human (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-study-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-study-2025/The City's July 2025 agenda planner listed, for the Aug. 12, 2025 meeting, an $85,200 award to Kimley-Horn and Associates for an Aquatic Market Viability Study. The FY 2025-26 budget book said the Southeast (1965, remodeled 1987) and Southwest (1974) pools were within a typical 50- to 60-year life expectancy and that the City had engaged a firm for a feasibility study.Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2025-soffit-award/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2025-soffit-award/The City's planner listed for the August 12, 2025 meeting a $79,174 construction award to replace the soffit and lighting at Civic Center Entrance 4, funded from Civic Center building improvement funds. The council approved it on its August 12, 2025 consent agenda, 5-0.Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-ttus-lease-amendment/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-ttus-lease-amendment/Fermi and the Texas Tech University System executed a first amendment to the ground lease that reduced the site from about 5,769 to about 4,523 acres, acknowledged a 713-acre tract to be added on transfer from a federal agency to the System, and made the System the sole landlord. Fermi says lease commencement for the 4,523 acres occurred in September 2025; the 713-acre tract had not commenced as of June 30, 2026.Mon, 11 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-board-vacancy-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-board-vacancy-2025/Alex Fairly resigned as AEDC board chair on July 15, 2025. At a special meeting, Mayor Cole Stanley nominated a bank executive, seconded by Tim Reid. That motion failed 2-0, with Don Tipps, David Prescott and Les Simpson abstaining. The council then appointed Brian Bruckner, a former AEDC board member, 5-0.Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-budget-workshop-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-budget-workshop-2025/At the FY2025/26 budget workshops, Assistant City Manager and CFO Laura Storrs said the proposed budget included a 7% increase in residential and commercial solid waste collection fees to fund a dangerous structure removal program, including employees and equipment. Positions in the City Marshal department were also listed as part of the proposed program.Tue, 05 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's dangerous-structure demolitions and the in-house demolition program (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-tceq-application/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-tceq-application/The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality received an application from Fermi Equipment Holdco, LLC for Air Quality Permit No. 181009, PSDTX1670 and GHGPSDTX254, for a natural gas-fired power plant about 15 miles northeast of Amarillo near US 60 and FM 2373 in Carson County. It was declared administratively complete August 5, 2025; the first public notice ran August 27, 2025.Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-ftz-draft-request/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-ftz-draft-request/A request dated July 23, 2025, sent on behalf of Fermi SPE, LLC by a trade consultancy to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board, asked for a special-purpose subzone of about 988.78 acres in Carson County. The attached application form is marked "DRAFT - POWER GENERATION" and notes grantee actions still in process. The City of Amarillo, grantee of FTZ 252, later posted the packet on its Fermi page; the Board docketed the City's application on March 11, 2026.Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-iac-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-iac-2025/Following AEDC board approval reported on July 15, 2025, the council voted 5-0 on an eight-year tax abatement (80% in year one, falling 10 points a year) and 5-0 on an AEDC location incentive agreement providing International Aerospace Coatings $700,000 for 70 new jobs over five years. The same meeting approved, on consent, a new 50-year lease at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport authorizing a wide-body paint hangar.Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-renewal-2025-07/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-renewal-2025-07/On the consent agenda, the City Council approves the annual renewal of service and support for the City's existing Flock Safety automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras through Insight Public Sector under OMNIA contract 23-6692-03 for $164,818.44, from general fund revenues. The memo says no hardware is being purchased. The consent agenda passed 5:0 (item 8.E was considered separately).Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-caber-consulting/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-caber-consulting/The check register records payments to Caber Resource Group from July 10, 2025. A City agenda planner later described Caber as providing IT professional consulting on the City's Workday ERP for financial reporting and general ledger management, and said the consultant had delivered the deliverables requested for the first six months.Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2025-cliffside-force-main-spill/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2025-cliffside-force-main-spill/The City reported about 1 million gallons of untreated wastewater discharged from Lift Station 40 at 7100 Cliffside from 4:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. on July 9, 2025, after a break in the force main caused the station to overflow from a manhole. Wastewater may have reached a ponded area of West Amarillo Creek; tests were being conducted. TCEQ was notified.Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2025-temp-staffing/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2025-temp-staffing/On July 8, 2025 the City Council voted 3-0 to approve a temporary staffing services contract for the Civic Center with HireQuest, not to exceed $250,000 per year (up to $1,250,000 over five years), with event revenues and hotel occupancy taxes listed as the funding source.Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-ami-budget-add-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-ami-budget-add-2025/NewsChannel10 reported that the City Council added almost $3 million to the smart-meter project budget, which it described as $26 million, because more meters were needed than estimated in 2019. A City senior advisor said the project was about 72% complete and on time, with all meters to be replaced by the end of 2025.Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-planner-listings/https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-planner-listings/The City's council agenda planners listed the microchipping item under a series of anticipated meeting dates: July 22, 2025 (planner of July 3, 2025), August 12, 2025, September 23, 2025, March 10, 2026, May 12, 2026 and August 25, 2026 (planner of July 9, 2026). From the April 23, 2026 planner on, the item's contact was shown as "Victoria Medley, Retired." Planners list anticipated items only.Thu, 03 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMTProposed requirement to microchip dogs and cats in Amarillo (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2025-board-discussions/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2025-board-discussions/At CRMWA's July and October 2025 board meetings, the board, staff and member cities in attendance discussed CRMWA II in detail. CRMWA states the preferred timelines of the member cities varied widely, that the consensus was the project is critical, and that the meetings showed the need for a roundtable to set a timeline.Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-loi/https://amarilloledger.com/events/fermi-water-agreement/fermi-2025-loi/In a letter to Parkhill Smith & Cooper, the engineer designing water delivery for the campus, Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper stated the City had current capacity to deliver 2.5 MGD of potable water from its Carson County Well Field once pipeline was built, and anticipated a total of 5.5 MGD by 2026 with developer-built expansion. The letter also addressed a sewer connection to the Northeast Interceptor and possible future effluent supply from the Hollywood Road plant.Fri, 27 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo water supply agreement with Fermi America (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-board-recommends-2025-06/https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-board-recommends-2025-06/The board's June 25, 2025 agenda listed "Consideration of a Micro-chipping Ordinance." NewsChannel 10 reported the board voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council consider an ordinance requiring all dogs and cats in Amarillo to be microchipped; without a medical exemption, failure to comply would be a Class C misdemeanor, which could include a fine. The board recommended that, if approved, it not take effect until January 2026.Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMTProposed requirement to microchip dogs and cats in Amarillo (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-ttus-announcement/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-ttus-announcement/The Texas Tech University System and Fermi America announced plans for a campus of about 5,800 acres in the Texas Panhandle with 18 million square feet of data centers and up to 11 gigawatts from natural gas, solar, wind and nuclear power. The System said the agreement includes academic and research opportunities, an academic and research building, and Fermi support for an excellence fund. The System's release is dated June 26 and says the announcement was made Wednesday, June 25.Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2025-annexation-8200-final/https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2025-annexation-8200-final/On June 24, 2025 the council voted 5-0 to adopt Ordinance No. 8200 on second and final reading, annexing the 477.36-acre tract near Interstate 27 and Sundown Lane. The staff memo had said the annexation would not be effective until the second reading, because the City Charter requires two readings, and that the agreed service plan would become binding after it.Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMTRezoning land beside the Amazon fulfillment center for industrial use, and other October 2026 rezonings (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-cla-auditor-award-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-cla-auditor-award-2025/On June 24, 2025 the City Council voted 5-0 to award an auditing services agreement to CliftonLarsonAllen for fiscal years 2025/26 through 2029/30, with one optional one-year extension. The agenda packet lists annual amounts from $455,505 to $483,470, identifies the solicitation as RFQ 311-25 (eight submissions) and names CMMS CPAs & Advisors as the City's then-current provider.Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-gccs-wells-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-gccs-wells-2025/The council approved, on its consent agenda (5:0), a construction contract with Landmarc Environmental for raising and repairing wells in the landfill gas collection and control system, which the item said is required by the landfill's TCEQ permit. Change Order No. 1, approved October 28, 2025, brought the total to $516,476.71.Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-nrc-cola-part1/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-nrc-cola-part1/Fermi America submitted Part 1 of a combined license (COL) application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for four Westinghouse AP1000 reactors (about 4 GW) at the Carson County site next to the Department of Energy's Pantex Plant.Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2025-annexation-8200-first/https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2025-annexation-8200-first/On June 10, 2025, after a public hearing, the council voted 4-1 (Councilmember Tom Scherlen voting no) to adopt on first reading Ordinance No. 8200, annexing on the property owners' petition a 477.36-acre tract of unplatted land in Randall County near Interstate 27 and Sundown Lane. The staff memo says the undeveloped land was proposed for commercial development and the Kids Inc. Rockrose Sports Park, and lies within the South Gateway tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ 3).Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMTRezoning land beside the Amazon fulfillment center for industrial use, and other October 2026 rezonings (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fence-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fence-2025/The council approved, on its consent agenda (5:0), a contract with Tri-State General Contracting for $347,434.24 to replace about 2,400 linear feet of 16-foot landfill catch fence damaged in a March 14, 2025 wind event. The item said the fence is required to remain in compliance with the landfill's TCEQ permit; it was funded from solid waste revenue and was not budgeted.Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2025-restroom-award/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2025-restroom-award/On June 10, 2025 the City Council voted 5-0 to award the renovation of the Civic Center Coliseum restrooms to Tri-State General Contracting Group, Inc. through a Sourcewell cooperative contract for $1,846,147, funded from Amarillo-Potter Events Venue District funds. A $97,281.07 change order on March 10, 2026 brought the total award to $1,943,428.07.Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2025a-streets/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2025a-streets/The City's notice set June 10, 2025 for an ordinance authorizing up to $12.5 million in COs for streets, alleys, culverts and bridges. City financial reports record Series 2025A COs of $11,200,000 maturing through 2035, with debt service from property taxes.Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2025-3b-estimate/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2025-3b-estimate/Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper called the up-to-$3 billion figure a rough estimate based on similar-sized facilities and cited TCEQ's 75/90 capacity rule; the plant was operating at 75% of capacity. City Manager Grayson Path said the City was considering bonds or low-interest loans. A rate study was expected by November 2025.Wed, 28 May 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2025-council-tour/https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2025-council-tour/A council orientation work session met in the ozone building of the Osage Water Treatment Plant at 3701 S. Osage; the Director of Utilities presented a departmental overview and toured council members through the plant. No votes were taken.Tue, 27 May 2025 12:00:00 GMTOsage Water Treatment Plant: filter, basin and chlorine rehabilitation (2001-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-transformation-park/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-transformation-park/The Amarillo Tribune reported that, according to the City's HOME-ARP allocation plan, the City contributed $1.1 million in ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds and $3.9 million from the general fund to the construction of Transformation Park, a homeless shelter campus.Mon, 19 May 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-first-graduation-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-first-graduation-2025/The school awarded Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees to 61 students at the Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium.Sun, 18 May 2025 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-ttus-ground-lease/https://amarilloledger.com/events/project-matador/matador-2025-ttus-ground-lease/According to Fermi's later SEC filings, a Fermi subsidiary entered into a 99-year ground lease with the Texas Tech University System and Texas Tech University on May 14, 2025 for 5,769 acres in Carson County, intended for Project Matador. The lease sets a base rent and variable payments tied to appraised data-center value and to power and water sales. Before vertical data-center construction, Fermi must receive a notice to proceed from the System. The lease was not publicly described until Fermi's IPO-period filings; an excerpt of Fermi's NRC application quoted by Lubbock Lights dates the lease instrument to April 2025.Wed, 14 May 2025 12:00:00 GMTProject Matador: Texas Tech land lease, county incentives and state and federal permits (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-voucher-council-2025-05/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-voucher-council-2025-05/After the advisory board voted 4-0 on April 23, 2025 to send a 100-voucher spay/neuter pilot for residents of the City's Empowerment Zones to the council, the council's May 13, 2025 agenda listed "Animal Management and Welfare Spay and Neuter Voucher Pilot Program" as a discussion item, presented by Deputy City Manager Andrew Freeman. No vote is recorded. Staff had told the board the pilot's money was previously allocated by the council from the discretionary 2023-2024 working budget.Tue, 13 May 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2025-bond-update/https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2025-bond-update/Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper presented a drainage bond projects update at the May 13, 2025 council meeting, alongside a playa lake level monitoring item. The minutes record no action.Tue, 13 May 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-caber-award-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-caber-award-2025/On its consent agenda (5-0) the City Council approved up to $175,000 for six months of Workday consulting from Caber Resource Group. The item said the Finance and IT departments lacked the knowledge and experience to create reports used under the legacy system and that general ledger items had not been properly configured during implementation. The council also added 1,550 hours ($338,905) to Cognizant's support agreement, for a total of $829,178.50 through January 31, 2027.Tue, 13 May 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-canam-teller-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-canam-teller-2025/On its consent agenda (5-0) the City Council approved a Can/Am Technologies "Can/Am-Teller Utility Billing Implementation Project" for $138,805 plus $633 a month in recurring licensing, funded from water and sewer revenues.Tue, 13 May 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-shelter-figures-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-shelter-figures-2025/ABC 7 Amarillo reported that 592 animals were taken to the city shelter in March 2025 and that more than 40% of them were euthanized, and that more than 200 pets were returned to owners from January to March. The report described two proposals under discussion: mandatory microchipping of dogs and cats and higher fines for owners whose pets repeatedly escape.Mon, 05 May 2025 12:00:00 GMTProposed requirement to microchip dogs and cats in Amarillo (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-may-2025-two-year-terms/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-may-2025-two-year-terms/The City's page for the May 3, 2025 general election lists the Mayor and Councilmember Places One through Four as up for election "for a two-year term," the term length that Proposition C would have changed to four years.Sat, 03 May 2025 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-board-discussion-2025-04/https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-board-discussion-2025-04/The advisory board took up "Potential Ordinances to Address Effective Animal Population Management, including Registration of Pets and Mandatory Microchipping of Pets." The director presented research that most mandatory pet-registration ordinances in Texas had been repealed and that most Texas cities had adopted mandatory microchipping instead; she said the only exemptions she found were medical ones. She told the board enforcement "would not be systemic or organized" given the number of officers, and that the shelter charged $10 per microchip. The board asked staff and city lawyers to draft an ordinance; the same meeting voted 4-0 to send a spay/neuter voucher pilot to the council.Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:00:00 GMTProposed requirement to microchip dogs and cats in Amarillo (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-old-building-plan/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-old-building-plan/Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper said the old City Hall, in use since 1966, would be demolished and the site converted to green space, with demolition funding to go through the summer 2025 budget process and the process about six months away. No demolition vote or completion was found in fetched sources as of 2026-10-09.Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-permanent-board-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-permanent-board-2025/The council approved the AEDC's revised policies and procedures 5-0. It then voted on AEDC board appointments. Dean Crump (term ending Dec. 31, 2027) was appointed 3-1, with Mayor Cole Stanley abstaining. Elliot McKinney (2027), Alex Fairly (2025) and Randy Burkett (2025) were each appointed 4-1. One nomination failed 2-1 with Stanley and Don Tipps abstaining, and another died for lack of a second. Les Simpson voted no on every appointment. NewsChannel 10 listed Dipak Patel, the one director who had not resigned in November 2024, as the fifth member of the permanent board, and reported that temporary members Howard Smith, Don Tipps and Josh Craft would leave the board.Tue, 22 Apr 2025 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2025-bell-st-barbershop/https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2025-bell-st-barbershop/A rezoning at Bell Street and Farmers Avenue added a specific use permit for on-premise primary use alcohol sales and service, so an existing barbershop in a multi-tenant building could serve alcohol to patrons, on condition that alcohol be no more than 50 percent of an establishment's gross sales. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended it 4-1 on April 21, 2025. The council passed Ordinance No. 8191 5-0 on May 13, 2025, with no one speaking at the public hearing, and on the consent agenda, 5-0, on May 27, 2025.Mon, 21 Apr 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity Council votes on alcohol-sales variances and specific use permits (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-federal-cuts-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-federal-cuts-2025/The Texas Tribune reports that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notified states it was ending public health grants made during the pandemic, that Texas could lose more than $700 million (DSHS said it may be closer to $550 million) and that about $147 million of that was the estimated cost to local public health agencies. The article does not mention Amarillo.Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2025-parks-fleet/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2025-parks-fleet/After publishing notice of up to $17 million in COs for park and recreation facilities and vehicles and equipment for the solid waste, police, street and parks departments, the council took up the certificates on April 8, 2025. KFDA reported a unanimous vote. City financial reports record Series 2025 COs of $15,435,000 maturing through 2055.Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-fy2024-audit-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-fy2024-audit-2025/With the fiscal 2024 single audit accepted on April 7, 2025, the City's single audits for fiscal 2020 through 2024 list COVID-19-labeled public health grant expenditures totaling $14,240,280, most of it COVID-19 immunization funds ($12,223,589 over fiscal 2021-2024). None of the audits reports a finding on these public health programs; the COVID-19 immunization program was tested as a major program in fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2024.Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-fy2024-single-audit-finding/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-fy2024-single-audit-finding/The City's single audit for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, accepted by the Federal Audit Clearinghouse on April 7, 2025, tested the recovery funds as a major program ($6,209,519 spent that year) and reported one finding: retainage payable of $47,878 had been reported as program expenditures. The auditor classified it as a significant deficiency, with no questioned costs, and the City agreed with the recommendation to file an amended report.Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-fy2024-acfr/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-fy2024-acfr/CMMS CPAs & Advisors PLLC's report on the fiscal 2024 statements, dated March 25, 2025, states an unmodified opinion. Note 1 records prior period adjustments of $3,252,499 (governmental) and $227,482 (business-type) because certain construction-in-progress projects had been placed in service without depreciation being started, plus $359,828 for GASB 96 and GASB 87 items.Tue, 25 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-first-usage-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-first-usage-2025/A City news release said Emma had received more than 16,400 questions, most about the PayAMA utility billing payment portal and trash pickup, and that she could direct residents to departments but could not tell them their water bill amounts.Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMTEmma, the City of Amarillo's website digital human (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-2024-results/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-2024-results/NewsChannel10 reports that police installed their first camera reader in 2022 and 80 more in 2023, that the readers can read about 13 million plates a month and use artificial intelligence to flag anomalies, and that in 2024 they were used in 665 incidents, with 164 stolen vehicles recovered and 243 arrests.Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2025-big-texan-rv/https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2025-big-texan-rv/The Big Texan RV Ranch, near Interstate 40 and Sunrise Drive, sought to sell beer and wine to guests and is about 193 feet from Sunrise Elementary School. Staff reported that Amarillo ISD would not oppose the variance. The council passed Ordinance No. 8185 4-0 on first reading on March 11, 2025, with Councilmember Tom Scherlen absent, and on the consent agenda, 5-0, on March 25, 2025.Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMTCity Council votes on alcohol-sales variances and specific use permits (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-grand-opening/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-grand-opening/The City held a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on February 25, 2025 for the new City Hall in the former Amarillo Hardware Company building at 623 S. Johnson St. Reported total project cost was $35 million; officials said it came in just under budget.Tue, 25 Feb 2025 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/nelson-interim/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/nelson-interim/The temporary board names Senior VP Doug Nelson interim president/CEO; board chair Alex Fairly presents findings from the review.Tue, 18 Feb 2025 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-coast-packing-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-coast-packing-2025/A February 9, 2025 trade report said Coast Packing Company had held a groundbreaking for an animal-fat refinery and packaging plant on 30 acres near Centerport Boulevard and Folsom Road. The AEDC agreed to convey the land, valued at $1.2 million, and to provide up to $720,000 in job-creation funds over 10 years; the council had approved the incentive package and designated the site as a reinvestment zone (Ordinance 8026).Sun, 09 Feb 2025 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-move-begins/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-move-begins/The City began a phased move into the new City Hall at 623 S. Johnson St. Utility Billing was scheduled to move on February 5 and 12, 2025, and Vital Statistics to reopen in the new building on February 11; an assistant city manager said the new building would not be fully functional until February 25.Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-project-status-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-project-status-2025/The AEDC's unaudited managerial report for the four months ended January 31, 2025 lists 21 company projects with original commitments totaling $175,180,706, of which $45,187,250 had been paid in prior years and $96,569,456 was listed as future commitments. No payments had been made to Producer Owned Beef ($8,000,000) or Plant AS ($3,750,000), and CVMR's $20,000,000 commitment showed $2,000,000 budgeted for the year and nothing paid.Fri, 31 Jan 2025 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/carter-separation/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/carter-separation/After months of controversy, the AEDC board authorizes a separation agreement with President/CEO Kevin Carter; his last day is January 31, 2025. He had led the AEDC for about five years.Fri, 31 Jan 2025 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-bylaws-budget-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-bylaws-budget-2025/The council voted 5-0 to adopt amended AEDC bylaws, with language proposed by Councilmember Josh Craft to include non-disclosure agreements. In a second 5-0 vote it amended the AEDC's 2024/2025 operating budget. NewsChannel 10 reported that this approved the AEDC's budget of more than $37 million for the year.Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-articles-amended-2025/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-articles-amended-2025/The council voted 4-1 to approve amendments to the AEDC's articles of incorporation, with Les Simpson voting no. The amended and restated articles in the agenda packet describe the AEDC as acting "subject to the control of the City Council". They require every project to be approved by both the board and the council, require council approval to move money between budget line items, and give council members access to AEDC records within 10 business days. They also make directors removable by the council at will.Tue, 14 Jan 2025 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2025-ice-plant-emergency/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2025-ice-plant-emergency/On January 14, 2025 the City Council approved, on its 5-0 consent agenda, an emergency purchase of services and parts from Arena Products & Services LLC for $94,202.63 to repair the Civic Center's ice plant, funded from general fund revenues.Tue, 14 Jan 2025 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2025-first-cip/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2025-first-cip/CRMWA states that in 2025 it adopted its first formal Capital Improvements Plan, with prioritized projects and a funding plan, to address aging infrastructure.Wed, 01 Jan 2025 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-workday-financials-golive/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-workday-financials-golive/The same December 2025 City memo states the City went live with financials on Workday on January 1, 2025. Four weeks later the council added 450 hours ($102,200) to Cognizant's post-go-live support agreement.Wed, 01 Jan 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-financial-software-switch/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-financial-software-switch/According to City staff as reported in August 2026, the City switched to new financial software in January 2025. Staff later said the software ran a report differently than staff were used to, causing cash-flow figures that needed correction.Wed, 01 Jan 2025 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-obligation-deadline/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-obligation-deadline/Treasury set December 31, 2024 as the deadline for recipients to obligate State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, and said it would monitor recipients' obligation methods and recoup funds used in violation of program rules.Tue, 31 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-prop-e-codified/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-prop-e-codified/Ordinance 8174, amending the Municipal Code to codify the voter-approved amendment to Charter Article V, Section 3 (Proposition E), passed 5-0 on first reading December 10, 2024 and on the January 14, 2025 consent agenda, also 5-0.Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2025-cafe-moonwater/https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2025-cafe-moonwater/Cafe Moonwater, near SW 6th Avenue and S. Carolina Street, sought to sell beer and wine and was about 59.5 feet from San Jacinto Christian Academy. On December 10, 2024 the council tabled Ordinance No. 8173 5-0 after the applicant spoke. It passed 5-0 on first reading on January 14, 2025 and on the consent agenda, 5-0, on January 28, 2025.Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMTCity Council votes on alcohol-sales variances and specific use permits (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2024-sea-market/https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2024-sea-market/S.E.A. Market, a grocery store near 34th Avenue and Georgia Street, sought to sell Asian beer and wine and had been denied an alcohol business license because it is about 17.5 feet from Coronado Elementary School. Staff reported that Amarillo ISD supported the variance. The council passed Ordinance No. 8172 5-0 on first reading on December 10, 2024 and on the consent agenda, 5-0, on January 14, 2025.Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMTCity Council votes on alcohol-sales variances and specific use permits (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-aedc-expenditures-2024-12/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-aedc-expenditures-2024-12/The council approved, 5-0, an AEDC expenditure request of $724,994.63. Its largest line was $580,000 for the West Texas Enterprize Challenge; the rest covered marketing, trade shows, appraisals, rail maintenance and property taxes on AEDC land. In a separate 5-0 vote the council amended the AEDC's 2024/2025 budget to add up to $50,000 in marketing to design two gateway monument signs on Interstate 40, a project the packet estimated at $625,000 in total.Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2024-basin-phase1/https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2024-basin-phase1/On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council awarded MH Civil Constructors $2,279,000 to reline the east sedimentation basin, Phase I of a two-phase project procured through Bonfire RFP 200-25 RNG and funded from water and sewer fund revenues.Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMTOsage Water Treatment Plant: filter, basin and chlorine rehabilitation (2001-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-renewal-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-renewal-2024/As non-consent item 9.B, the council voted 5-0 to award Dell $553,052.00 for an annual renewal of the digital human agreement. The agenda lists general fund revenues as the funding source; the transmittal memo describes a "licenses extension for hosted digital human as the COA team builds an on-site replacement."Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMTEmma, the City of Amarillo's website digital human (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-interstate-expansion-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-interstate-expansion-2024/On the consent agenda, the City Council approves a subscription-based expansion of 20 fixed license plate readers near interstate highways, around the edge of the Project Safe Neighborhoods zone, from Insight Public Sector under OMNIA contract 23-6692-03 for $105,400.00, funded by the FY24 COPS Technology and Equipment Program grant. The consent agenda passed 5:0 (item KK was pulled).Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2024-ls40-pumps/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2024-ls40-pumps/On consent (approved 5-0), the council approved buying two Fairbank Morse pumps for Lift Station 40 from AAW Pumps Motors Controls through BuyBoard for $90,274.56, funded from water and sewer fund revenues.Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2024-dec-10m-repairs/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2024-dec-10m-repairs/The council approved more than $10 million to replace equipment at the Hollywood Road plant, to be used only to keep the existing plant in regulatory compliance. The headworks system was reported to be operating at 50%. Mayor Cole Stanley said, "Everything at this point is an emergent repair."Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-launch-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-launch-2024/Emma began answering residents' questions on amarillo.gov. City sources give different launch dates: the City's About Emma timeline lists an October 1, 2024 public launch, while a March 2025 City news release says Emma made her debut "last December."Sun, 01 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMTEmma, the City of Amarillo's website digital human (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-canvass/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-canvass/At a special meeting, the council adopted Resolution 11-15-24-1 canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the five-proposition special election, 4-0, with Councilmember Craft absent. The agenda packet for the item included no attachments with the vote totals.Fri, 15 Nov 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-beta-testers-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-beta-testers-2024/The City sought about 21 testers from a range of backgrounds, including seniors and others less comfortable with technology, tech-savvy college students and business owners, to help ensure the digital assistant was ready for residents.Fri, 15 Nov 2024 12:00:00 GMTEmma, the City of Amarillo's website digital human (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-temporary-board-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-temporary-board-2024/The day after four of five AEDC directors resigned, the council voted 5-0 to appoint Alex Fairly, former councilmember Howard Smith and Councilmembers Don Tipps and Josh Craft as temporary members of the AEDC board. With remaining director Dipak Patel, they formed a five-member board. An earlier motion by Councilmember Tom Scherlen died for lack of a second.Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/board-resignations/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/board-resignations/Chairman Andrew Hall, Vice Chairman Adrian Meaner, Scott Bentley and Helen Burton resign, citing 'irreparable damage to Amarillo's current economic development efforts' by the Mayor and several council members. The council later installs a temporary board.Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-three-year-bar/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-three-year-bar/City Secretary Stephanie Coggins said the vote was the "end of the road" for the ordinance and that, under Article II, Section 23 of the Charter, the City Secretary may not accept the registration of an initiating committee or petition on a subject that has been the subject of a public election within the preceding three years. The Amarillo Tribune reported that this would bar the ordinance from returning to the ballot by that route until 2027.Wed, 06 Nov 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-vote/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-vote/In the November 5, 2024 special election, held jointly with the general election in Potter and Randall counties, Proposition A failed. The City's final unofficial count was 27,544 for and 40,392 against (59.46% against); the counties' official reports total 27,579 for and 40,442 against. The Texas Tribune reported that Amarillo was the first Texas city to reject an anti-abortion ordinance placed on a citywide ballot. The council canvassed the results on November 15, 2024.Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-election/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-election/In the November 5, 2024 special election, held jointly with the general election in Potter and Randall counties, voters rejected the seven-member council (B), four-year staggered terms (C) and the recall changes (D), and approved the vacancy and "resign to run" amendment (E). The citizen-initiated abortion ordinance (A) was also rejected. On the City's unofficial election-night count, Proposition C had 60.54% against and Proposition D 50.74% against; Proposition E had 55.05% for.Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-ffe-purchase/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-ffe-purchase/The council voted 5-0 to buy furniture, fixtures and equipment for the new City Hall from Navajo/Office Wise (HON products, through Omnia cooperative contracts) for $1,521,635.83, funded from general construction fund revenues.Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-aedc-expenditures-2024-10/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-aedc-expenditures-2024-10/Under the constrained budget, the AEDC brought a list of expenditures to the council for approval: membership dues, conference and trade-show costs, business-park mowing and a data subscription, totaling $83,512.50. The council approved it 5-0. At the same meeting a request to raise the AEDC marketing budget by $625,000 for two Interstate 40 gateway signs was moved to be tabled; the motion and second were withdrawn and the minutes record no vote on that item.Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/aedc-audit-published/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/aedc-audit-published/The City publishes an audit reviewing AEDC expenditures over $25,000 for fiscal years 2022-2024. Mayor Stanley calls for the resignations of AEDC board members and Kevin Carter.Wed, 09 Oct 2024 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-fy2024-25-budget/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-fy2024-25-budget/The FY2024/25 budget book set the department's budget at $4,176,956. Performance measures listed FY2022/23 actuals of 8,749 total intake, 4,122 euthanized, 1,928 adopted, 1,063 reclaimed and 1,986 left through rescue. The narrative said managed intake had slowed intake and described a planned free community spay/neuter clinic with the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine.Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-fy2025-call-metrics/https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-fy2025-call-metrics/The FY2024/25 budget adds Planning and the City Marshal's office to the departments the contact center answers for, repeats the plan to implement 311 Informational Services, and publishes phone measures by department, including 64,985 calls to "311 (Operator)" in FY2022/23 (70,000 estimated for FY2023/24, 75,000 projected for FY2024/25) and 63% of calls handled within three minutes in FY2022/23.Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo 311: from a proposed non-emergency line (2016) to the Utility Billing contact center (2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-budget-cover-text-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-budget-cover-text-2024/The landfill program description in the City's budget books for FY2020/21 through FY2023/24 says the landfill "compacts and covers all incoming debris daily." The FY2024/25 and FY2025/26 budget books say it "compacts and covers all incoming refuse once a week," and also uses an alternative daily cover to save air space. The budget books do not explain the change.Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-aedc-budget-constrained-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-aedc-budget-constrained-2024/Three weeks after tabling the AEDC budget, the council met in a special session and voted 4-0, with Les Simpson absent, to adopt the AEDC's 2024/2025 budget amended to include only expenditures needed for salaries, contractual obligations and operating expenses. NewsChannel 10 reported that the constrained budget would stay in place until the council received the audit and outside counsel's recommended changes.Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-workday-hr-payroll/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-workday-hr-payroll/The FY2024/25 budget book listed "Workday for HR and Payroll" and "Teller and Paymentus for Finance" among the IT department's more significant FY2023/24 initiatives. The same book listed "Transition to online permitting software (MGO)" among planning goals.Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-aedc-new-policy-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-aedc-new-policy-2024/The AEDC board approved policies requiring AEDC board and City Council approval of unbudgeted expenditures over $50,000 and a budget amendment when a budgeted line is exceeded by more than $50,000. The council approved an AEDC operating budget limited to salaries, contractual obligations and operating expenses on September 30, 2024.Tue, 24 Sep 2024 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/tedc-defense/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/tedc-defense/Carlton Schwab, president of the Texas Economic Development Council, calls the Amarillo City Council's scrutiny of the AEDC 'shameful' and 'absurd.'Fri, 20 Sep 2024 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/mayor-unlawful/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/mayor-unlawful/Mayor Cole Stanley describes the $750,000 transfer as 'unlawful' but 'not illegal' as the council presses the AEDC on its budgeting practices.Thu, 19 Sep 2024 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2024-25-rate/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2024-25-rate/The rate went from $0.39195 to $0.38723 per $100 ($0.31867 M&O, $0.06856 debt service), equal to that year's voter-approval rate. The budget raised $3,654,631 (5.43%) more in property tax than the prior year. Council adopted it 4-0 with one member absent.Tue, 17 Sep 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2024-cliffside-945k-spill/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2024-cliffside-945k-spill/The City reported a 945,000-gallon discharge of untreated wastewater at the lift station at 7100 Cliffside that began at 7 p.m. on September 16, 2024, was observed at 1:30 p.m. on September 17 and was contained at 2:30 p.m. The City gave the cause as trash collected inside the pump and an alarm system failure. TCEQ was notified.Mon, 16 Sep 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-council-tables-aedc-budget-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-council-tables-aedc-budget-2024/At its September 10, 2024 meeting the council tabled approval of the AEDC's 2024/2025 budget until the AEDC had new policies in place and directed the City's internal auditor to audit the AEDC's finances for the past three years. Mayor Cole Stanley cited Texas Local Government Code Sec. 501.073(a), under which the authorizing unit approves a development corporation's programs and expenditures.Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-ballot-condensed/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-ballot-condensed/The Potter and Randall county election administrators said the Proposition A ballot text was too long for paper mail ballots and voting machines. The council discussed a condensed version on August 27, 2024, and on September 10 adopted Resolution 09-10-24-1 with "option #3" ballot language, 5-0, with both election administrators present. The memo said the measure itself was not changed. The condensed text dropped the passages calling on U.S. Attorneys and district attorneys to investigate and prosecute and encouraging civil RICO suits.Tue, 27 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-ballot-language-shortened/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-ballot-language-shortened/Ordinance 8149 condensed the ballot text of Proposition D (recall) after the Potter and Randall County election administrators said it was too long for paper and electronic ballots; it passed 5-0 on first reading August 27 and on the September 10 consent agenda. On September 10 the council also voted 5-0 for Resolution 09-10-24-1, choosing "option #3" ballot language for Proposition A, with both county election administrators present.Tue, 27 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-consultant-addendum/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-consultant-addendum/The council approved Amendment No. 2 to the Baker Tilly agreement, $28,123.57, to cover "significant revisions to the Charter Review Committee amendment recommendations, including the ordinance," for a total award of $87,218.57 from the City Council working budget. The item was pulled from the consent agenda at Councilmember Craft's request and passed 3-0, with Craft and Simpson abstaining.Tue, 27 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2024-basin-design/https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2024-basin-design/On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council awarded KSA Engineers $257,500 to design replacement of the foundational floor of a sedimentation basin and clarifier area, with construction estimated at $4,500,000 over two years. The memo said a similar project was done on a different basin in 2012 and cited cracking, spalling and delamination of the sub-floor.Tue, 27 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMTOsage Water Treatment Plant: filter, basin and chlorine rehabilitation (2001-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-berrydunn-pm-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-berrydunn-pm-2024/Two weeks after awarding the enQuesta contract, the City Council approved, on its consent agenda (5-0), a $679,100 agreement with BerryDunn for project management services during implementation of the new utility billing and customer information system, funded from water and sewer revenues.Tue, 27 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/citizen-complaint/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/citizen-complaint/A citizen's concern about the payment prompts the City Council to open an inquiry into the AEDC's payments over the prior three years.Tue, 27 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-election-ordered/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-election-ordered/The council adopted Resolution 08-13-24-2 ordering a November 5, 2024 special election on the proposed ordinance. An attorney speaking for the initiating committee said the draft wording "establishing a criminal offense" was inaccurate because the ordinance is enforced only through private civil suits. The council replaced the phrase with "and making it unlawful" in the measure and "and it shall be unlawful" in the ballot language, and adopted the resolution 4-1 (Scherlen, second Tipps), with Councilmember Josh Craft voting no. The staff memo estimated the election cost at $90,000 to $120,000 from general fund revenues.Tue, 13 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-prop-a-ordered/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-prop-a-ordered/At the same meeting the council adopted Resolution 08-13-24-2, ordering a special election on a citizen-initiated ordinance titled "Ordinance Outlawing Abortion, Declaring Amarillo a Sanctuary City for the Unborn," which became Proposition A on the same November 5 ballot. Proposition A was not a charter amendment. The staff memo said the initiative process began December 29, 2023 and that ordering the election was ministerial under Article II, Section 23 of the Charter. The council amended the ballot wording from "establishing a criminal offense" to "and making it unlawful" and adopted the resolution 4-1, Councilmember Craft voting no.Tue, 13 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-election-ordered/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-election-ordered/On second reading, the council amended Ordinance 8144 to make Proposition C's four-year terms "effective with the next regularly scheduled municipal election to be held in May 2025, with the terms staggered as established by ordinance." A motion by Councilmember Simpson to put only Propositions C, D and E on the ballot, removing Proposition B, failed 2-3 (Craft and Simpson for; Stanley, Tipps and Scherlen against). The ordinance as amended then passed 3-2, with Craft and Simpson voting no. The staff memo estimated the election cost at $100,000 to $150,000 from the general fund.Tue, 13 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2024-kimley-prelim/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2024-kimley-prelim/The council voted to have Kimley-Horn and Associates begin preliminary engineering for a plant to treat 24 million gallons of sewage a day, the first of three phases, under a contract of about $6 million.Tue, 13 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/enquesta-contract-approved/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/enquesta-contract-approved/Council approves a 10-year, $6,987,155 contract with Systems & Software for the enQuesta utility billing and customer information system, as part of a $17.8M spending agenda. Year-one implementation is $3,239,490.Tue, 13 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-library-coordinators/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-library-coordinators/During budget discussions, Chief Financial Officer Laura Storrs said she would add a $277,000 line item to the library budget to show ARPA funds offsetting the salaries of five digital literacy coordinators, positions she said were approved two years earlier as part of a broadband project.Tue, 06 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-first-reading/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-first-reading/At an August 2, 2024 special meeting the council considered the first reading of Ordinance 8144, ordering a November 5, 2024 charter amendment election. In 5-0 votes it struck "Measure E and Proposition E" (in the draft, the residency-based council places and districting commission), moved the recall measure to follow the council-term extension, postponed "G" until the next charter election, and adopted the ordinance as modified. A motion by Mayor Stanley to move the recall process died for lack of a second.Fri, 02 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-alternatives/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-alternatives/At the July 23, 2024 regular meeting, Baker Tilly presented the committee's recommendations and "alternative proposals as requested by City Councilmembers" as a discussion item, with no vote. The Amarillo Tribune later reported that the consultant had split two measures into six proposed propositions and that the council dropped two from consideration.Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-committee-report/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-committee-report/At a July 16, 2024 special meeting, Baker Tilly presented the committee's July 11 report: four proposed charter amendments (recall procedures; four-year staggered terms with term limits and new vacancy rules; a seven-member council with three residency-based places; and council consultation before the City Manager hires executive staff), two Governance and Ends Policy additions, and a finding that the City Attorney should continue to report to the City Manager. The council took no vote and asked the consultant to explore further options, including splitting the council-size and residency proposal.Tue, 16 Jul 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-retail-sale-closed-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-retail-sale-closed-2024/The LGC reported the sale of 22,169 square feet of commercial space in the downtown parking garage to Llano Group, LLC ($1,900,000, approved by the council on September 12, 2023) complete as of July 2, 2024.Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2024-cliffside-bearing-spill/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2024-cliffside-bearing-spill/ABC 7 reported a 100,000-gallon spill of untreated wastewater at the Cliffside Lift Station, 7100 Cliffside Road, starting at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday (July 2, 2024) and contained by 2 p.m., caused by the failure of a mechanical pump bearing. It did not reach natural waters; TCEQ was notified.Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-round4-period-end-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-round4-period-end-2024/The Round 4 grant term accepted in 2021 ran through June 30, 2024, the same date staff gave for the end of the department's DSHS grant deliverables. In the check register, the last of 21 identical $87,357.00 payments to the marketing firm is dated July 11, 2024 and the last payment to the firm is dated September 9, 2024; the register does not tie payments to contracts or grants.Sun, 30 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-committee-certifies/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-committee-certifies/The 11 committee members voted unanimously on June 28, 2024 to certify their desire to submit the ordinance to voters under Section 23 of the Charter and filed the certificate with the City Secretary. The City Secretary presented the certificate to the council on July 9, 2024; the council took no action that day and asked that outside counsel help draft the ballot language.Fri, 28 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2024-june-update/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2024-june-update/The City said 75% of the problems identified a year earlier had been repaired and that an additional $300,000 had been awarded on top of $17 million for repairs. Interim City Manager Floyd Hartman said the plant is in a flood plain and the City is moving toward completely replacing it. City officials said the City had not been fined for the overflow.Wed, 26 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-brushwood-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-brushwood-2024/The council approved, 4-1, an AEDC location incentive agreement with Brushwood Acre Farms, Inc., a hydroponic farming operation expanding to Amarillo, paying $10,000 per job created over 10 years, up to $250,000, with 25 new employees projected. Tom Scherlen voted no. The AEDC board had approved the agreement 5-0 on May 21, 2024.Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2024-city-plan-adopted/https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2024-city-plan-adopted/The City Council adopted City Plan - Vision 2045 on June 25, 2024. The 2020 staff report on the first 110.39 acres cited the earlier Comprehensive Plan's Future Land Use and Character Map; the 2026 staff reports cite City Plan 2045 "Place Types", and the 2026 rezoning ordinances recite the plan's adoption and find each request consistent with it.Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMTRezoning land beside the Amazon fulfillment center for industrial use, and other October 2026 rezonings (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-council-update-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-council-update-2024/The June 25, 2024 council agenda listed discussion item 7.C, "311 and Digital Human Update." The minutes list the item without a summary of the discussion. Two days later NewsChannel 10 reported the City was set to launch Emma in October.Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMTEmma, the City of Amarillo's website digital human (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-council-rejects/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-council-rejects/After a public hearing required by the Charter, the council considered two versions of the ordinance: the original proposed by the initiating committee and a version the committee amended on June 6, 2024. A motion by Councilmember Tom Scherlen to reject the amended ordinance passed 4-1, and a motion by Scherlen to reject the original ordinance passed 4-1; Mayor Stanley and Councilmembers Craft, Scherlen and Simpson voted for both motions and Councilmember Don Tipps against. No action was taken on an item to order an election. Mayor Stanley said adopting the ordinance would "exercise an authority I don't believe I have."Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/grant-street-property/gsp-2024-sale-vote/https://amarilloledger.com/events/grant-street-property/gsp-2024-sale-vote/The council voted 5-0 to authorize the Interim City Manager to sell the buildings and land at 501, 509 and 517 S. Grant Street to JM Conkling, LLC for $1,300,000 plus closing costs and related expenses, the same price the City paid. The memo cited the property's location in the Center City Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 as the basis for selling without notice and bidding, said the price was not below fair market value based on an April 21, 2022 appraisal, listed the buyer's proposed uses, and said sale proceeds would go to the general fund. Deputy City Manager Andrew Freeman presented the item.Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMTCity purchase and resale of 501-517 S. Grant Street (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-mlb-upgrades-change-order-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-mlb-upgrades-change-order-2024/On June 11, 2024 the council approved, on its 5-0 consent agenda, Change Order No. 2 to Western Builders' Hodgetown construction contract "to meet MiLB standards," for $118,036.01, split between the Hodgetown (MPEV) capital improvement fund and Elmore Sports Group. With an earlier $18,630.07 change order, the revised award totaled $4,731,666.08. The item had been carried over from May 28, when council members asked for more detail.Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/path-selected/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/path-selected/Council selects Grayson Path, then city manager of Paris, Texas, after a nationwide search (Baker Tilly). He takes office later in summer 2024.Wed, 05 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-committee-meets/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-committee-meets/A Charter Review Citizens Committee of 10 residents nominated by the mayor and council members, plus Councilmembers Les Simpson and Tom Scherlen as non-voting members, held its first meeting on May 30, 2024 and met on Thursdays through June 27, supported by the City Manager's office, City Secretary, City Attorney and Baker Tilly.Thu, 30 May 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-petition-presented/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-petition-presented/The City Secretary presented the certified petition at the May 28, 2024 regular meeting. The council voted 5-0 to table the item and set a public hearing for June 11. Mayor Stanley then presented an alternative draft ordinance that would add the State's abortion-related restrictions in Chapters 170A, 171 and 697 of the Texas Health and Safety Code to the Municipal Code; no action was taken on it. On June 25, 2024 the council discussed the alternative ordinance with the City Attorney in executive session.Tue, 28 May 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-grant-drainage-scope/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-grant-drainage-scope/The council approved adding drainage infrastructure from City Hall to the north side of 3rd Avenue along Grant Street to the City Hall construction contract with Western Builders of Amarillo, Inc., for $4,967,536.00 from the Drainage Utility Fund. The item was pulled from the consent agenda and approved 5-0.Tue, 28 May 2024 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-erp-phase2-co-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-erp-phase2-co-2024/The City Council approved on its consent agenda (5-0) Change Order No. 1 (Phase 2), $298,772, to Cognizant's ERP implementation work, raising the total to $2,880,747. The memo said the City needed aged receivables and liens converted into Workday and had identified multiple critical integrations.Tue, 28 May 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-dell-tech-world-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-dell-tech-world-2024/In an interview at Dell Technologies World, Rich Gagnon told Route Fifty the council had awarded Dell a half-million-dollar contract to develop Emma, that Emma was in a multistage test environment with resident testers, and that a formal appearance on the City website was expected in October. In June he told Texas Standard Emma was at version 1.0 and named Pryon as a partner supplying the "knowledge fabric."Mon, 20 May 2024 12:00:00 GMTEmma, the City of Amarillo's website digital human (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-petition-certified/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-petition-certified/The City Secretary's office completed verification on May 16, 2024 and certified the petition. City Secretary Stephanie Coggins said about 6,300 signatures were validated; the requirement was 5% of registered voters, 4,888 valid names. Under the Charter the council then had to act on the proposed ordinance within 30 days of its presentation.Thu, 16 May 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-baker-tilly-contract/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-baker-tilly-contract/On the consent agenda, approved 5-0, the council awarded Baker Tilly US, LLP a $49,975 consulting agreement for advisory services on charter revisions and Governance and Ends Policy changes, funded from the City Council's working budget. On June 11, 2024 the council voted 5-0 to add $9,120 so a consultant could attend all charter review committee meetings in person, for a total of $59,095.Tue, 14 May 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-evaluation-onsite-2024-05/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-evaluation-onsite-2024-05/Minutes of the June 26, 2024 board meeting state that Animal Shelter Services, LLC "conducted a thorough evaluation of AMW on May 10th-13th," reviewing policies and processes. The minutes do not describe the evaluation's findings or recommendations, and no report was found in later board or council records reviewed. At the same meeting the director described managed appointments for owner surrenders, replacing open drop-off, and reported body cameras for field officers starting July 4, 2024.Fri, 10 May 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-charter-workshop/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-charter-workshop/At a May 9, 2024 work session facilitated by Baker Tilly US, LLP, the council and senior staff discussed the City Charter and the Governance and Ends Policy; no vote was taken. The committee report later said the council set out its suggestions for charter updates on that date and directed the committee to examine increasing the number of councilmembers, moving to four-year and possibly staggered terms, making recall easier to initiate, and having the council appoint the City Attorney.Thu, 09 May 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-petition-filed/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-petition-filed/The committee submitted its full petition to the City Secretary on April 25, 2024. The City's August 2024 staff memo gives 10,383 signatures filed against a requirement of 4,888 valid signatures; news reports gave other figures for the signatures submitted and required.Thu, 25 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-sage-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-sage-2024/The council adopted Ordinance No. 8130 on second reading, 4-1, with Josh Craft voting no. It then approved the AEDC's location incentive agreement with Sage Oil Vac, Inc. 5-0: up to $600,000 ($10,000 per job over five years) and 20 acres conveyed in two phases, for a $10 million manufacturing and distribution facility with 60 projected new jobs. A City–AEDC tax abatement agreement with Sage, 10% in year one, passed 4-1, with Craft voting no.Tue, 23 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2024-design-awards/https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2024-design-awards/On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council awarded Freese and Nichols $862,089 for Lawrence Lake drainage planning, Kimley-Horn up to $88,000 for 45th Avenue and Lamar Street drainage design, and Freese and Nichols $667,796 for storm drain design at Olsen and Western, Fulton and Bell, and Hillside and Coulter. The memos cite 23/24 CIP drainage bond funding.Tue, 23 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-fy2023-reports-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-fy2023-reports-2024/On April 11, 2024 the TIRZ #1 board accepted its annual financial report for the year ended September 30, 2023 "pending the correction to the receivable section"; the minutes do not describe the correction. On April 17, 2024 the LGC board accepted its FY2023 report, which staff summarized as total liabilities of $2.3 million at September 30, 2023, down from $2.5 million a year earlier.Thu, 11 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-council-takes-up-charter/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-council-takes-up-charter/The April 9, 2024 regular meeting agenda listed "Possible Charter amendment election" among the discussion items; the minutes record that it was discussed, with no vote. NewsChannel10 reported that City leaders were starting an effort to rewrite the charter, that the City Secretary said changes would need to be detailed by August to reach the November ballot, and that the election could cost $70,000 to $100,000. The April 23, 2024 agenda listed "Charter amendment election process" as a discussion item.Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-rz24-first-reading-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-rz24-first-reading-2024/After a public hearing at which one resident spoke against the item, the council voted 3-2 on the first reading of Ordinance No. 8130. The ordinance designates about 20 acres at Augustus Drive and South Georgia Street, in the AEDC's South Georgia Business Park, as Reinvestment Zone No. 24, a step required before the council can offer a tax abatement there. Josh Craft and Tom Scherlen voted no. Staff said the zone would give the council the option of offering an incentive to a prospective manufacturing facility.Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2024-chlorine-design/https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2024-chlorine-design/On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council awarded HDR Engineering a $675,770 professional services agreement for design, inspection and construction-phase services to rehabilitate the liquefied chlorine gas storage and feed system in the plant's chemical building.Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMTOsage Water Treatment Plant: filter, basin and chlorine rehabilitation (2001-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2024-streets-no-action/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2024-streets-no-action/The council adopted Ordinance No. 8124 authorizing up to $3,250,000 in Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Taxable Series 2024, for municipal airport hangars, 5-0. On Ordinance No. 8125, for up to $13,500,000 in Series 2024 certificates for streets, Mayor Cole Stanley stated that no action would be taken. The minutes give no reason, and no later 2024 council action on those certificates was found.Tue, 26 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2024-series-2024-bonds/https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2024-series-2024-bonds/The council adopted Ordinance No. 8123, 5-0, authorizing Drainage Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 2024. The staff memo said up to approximately $43 million in proceeds would be used for drainage system improvements and that the 47% rate increase effective October 1, 2023 was to fund the debt service. City financial reports record $38,135,000 issued, maturing through 2054.Tue, 26 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2024-airport/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2024-airport/The City issued $3,085,000 in taxable Combination Tax and Revenue obligations, Series 2024, for municipal airport hangars, serviced by airport fund revenue and maturing through 2044.Fri, 15 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2024-fif-application/https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2024-fif-application/On the consent agenda approved 4-0, the council hired Freese and Nichols (not to exceed $50,000, from drainage fund revenues) to plan and submit a Texas Flood Infrastructure Fund grant application for T-Anchor Lake.Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/hartman-interim/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/hartman-interim/Assistant City Manager Floyd Hartman (≈20 years with the City) is appointed interim city manager, effective immediately.Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-evaluation-contract-2024-03/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-evaluation-contract-2024-03/At the March 6, 2024 board meeting staff reported that the City Council had approved funds for a third-party shelter evaluation and that the City had signed a contract with Animal Shelter Services, LLC, with a document review in March, an on-site evaluation tentatively in April and a target date of May 27 for the final report. Staff also reported that 15% of the department's budgeted positions were unfilled. The City's check register records a first payment of $18,000 to Animal Shelter Services on February 8, 2024.Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-board-ordinance-review-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-board-ordinance-review-2024/At the March 6, 2024 Animal Management & Welfare Advisory Board meeting, the department director summarized ordinances from other Texas cities: licensing, dangerous-dog rules, spay/neuter mandates, pet limits, microchipping requirements, rabies vaccination and repeat-offender penalties. Councilmember Les Simpson, a board member, asked which city had the most success; the director said there was not enough data to know what was working.Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMTProposed requirement to microchip dogs and cats in Amarillo (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/freeman-steps-down/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/freeman-steps-down/Freeman steps down as interim city manager, effective immediately, after a dispute with council over staffing changes, including a police chief promotion.Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-amendment-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-amendment-2024/The council approved an amendment to reallocate a portion of the broadband funding to homeless reintegration. The City's page does not state the amount moved.Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-fy2023-acfr/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-fy2023-acfr/The auditor's report on the fiscal 2023 statements is dated February 27, 2024. Note 1 records a $3,383,736 accumulated-depreciation correction to business-type net position after the City's fixed-asset subledger over-depreciated assets, alongside a GASB 96 subscription-IT restatement.Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-lpr-expand-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-lpr-expand-2024/NewsChannel10 reports that the Regional Crime Center is adding 40 license plate readers in the south and east parts of Amarillo, that the first phase had assisted in 218 cases, 66 arrests and 84 recovered stolen vehicles, and that, in response to public concerns, officers must now complete a form before searching the database.Fri, 16 Feb 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2024-notices/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2024-notices/The council adopted two resolutions, each 5-0, authorizing notice of intention to issue Series 2024 certificates of obligation of up to $13,500,000 for streets and Taxable Series 2024 certificates of up to $3,250,000 for municipal airport hangars, with a March 26, 2024 meeting set to consider them.Tue, 23 Jan 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-evaluation-retained-2024-01/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-evaluation-retained-2024-01/The January 10, 2024 advisory board agenda listed a "2024 staff review of city ordinances" and a "3rd party comprehensive shelter evaluation." The minutes say AM&W was "in the process of retaining a 3rd party comprehensive shelter evaluation service (Animal Shelter Services, Inc.)", described as "a key component in building a strategic plan for long-term goals," and was moving forward with renovating the shelter operations building and a kennel refresh at a facility built in 1972. The department reported 2023 outcomes of 1,987 adoptions, 1,431 transfers to rescues, 1,251 returns to owners and 398 barn-cat placements, and listed open positions including three animal care workers and three officer trainees.Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-workday-hcm-golive/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-workday-hcm-golive/A December 2025 City transmittal memo states that the City went live with HR/payroll on Workday on January 1, 2024.Mon, 01 Jan 2024 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-remaining-commitment-triggered-2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-remaining-commitment-triggered-2024/According to the City's fiscal 2024 annual financial report, in 2024 the university provided a certified report of amounts pledged by outside parties, which triggered the remaining commitment of $20,810,706; as of September 30, 2024 the AEDC had accrued $20.8 million to be paid over the next four years.Mon, 01 Jan 2024 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-committee-files/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-committee-files/A committee of 11 Amarillo registered voters filed a statement and proposed "Ordinance Outlawing Abortion, Declaring Amarillo a Sanctuary City for the Unborn" with the City Secretary, starting the initiative process in Article II, Section 23 of the City Charter. The proposed ordinance would add Chapter 8-6, "Abortion," to the Municipal Code. On January 23, 2024 the council met in executive session with the City Attorney on the "Statement of Initiating Committee (Petition Process)."Fri, 29 Dec 2023 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-work-session-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-work-session-2023/At a December 19, 2023 work session held at the Civic Center, listed as "Discuss ordinance protecting human life by adding abortion-related restrictions," the council reviewed three drafts (A, B and C) without public comment or a vote. NewsChannel10 and the Amarillo Globe-News reported that councilmembers favored combining Drafts A and B, which addressed the abortion pill mifepristone and the disposal of fetal remains, pending legal review, and did not agree on Draft C, which addressed "abortion trafficking." Mayor Stanley said any ordinance the council put forward would not have travel restrictions.Tue, 19 Dec 2023 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-listening-session-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-listening-session-2023/At the December 12, 2023 regular meeting, speakers addressed the Sanctuary City for the Unborn proposal during public comment, although it was not an agenda item, so the council did not discuss or vote on it. The mayor announced a December 19 meeting at the Civic Center to discuss the topic. NewsChannel10 reported that Mayor Stanley said, "The ordinance that you're referencing is not an ordinance that I'm in favor of."Tue, 12 Dec 2023 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-txdot-phase-two-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-txdot-phase-two-2023/On the consent agenda, the City Council adopts Resolution No. 12-12-23-1 authorizing multiple use agreements with the Texas Department of Transportation to place license plate recognition cameras on state right-of-way; the resolution states the council desires to engage Flock Group, Inc. to install, maintain and monitor the fixed, pole-mounted cameras. The same consent agenda approves a $132,250.00 purchase from OMNIA/Insight of 40 LPR camera systems described as the second phase of LPR installation, funded with federal grant funds. The consent agenda passed 5:0 (item 10.BB was pulled).Tue, 12 Dec 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2023-cliffside-coupler-spill/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2023-cliffside-coupler-spill/ABC 7 reported on December 11, 2023 that, according to the City, a mechanical failure of a coupler caused a manhole overflow at the lift station at 7100 Cliffside Road, releasing 1,026,000 gallons of untreated wastewater. Crews vacuumed most of it and chlorinated the rest; TCEQ was notified.Mon, 11 Dec 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2023-scotx-dismissed/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2023-scotx-dismissed/The City filed a petition for review (No. 23-0797) on November 1, 2023, then filed an unopposed motion to dismiss on December 1, 2023. The Court granted the motion and dismissed the petition on December 8, 2023; the appeals court issued its mandate December 28, 2023.Fri, 08 Dec 2023 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-erp-change-orders-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-erp-change-orders-2023/Ahead of the Workday HR and payroll go-live, the City Council approved on its consent agenda (5-0) Change Orders No. 4 and 5 to Cognizant's implementation contract ($6,444 and $12,620, for payroll needs found in parallel testing), raising the not-to-exceed total to $2,581,975, and a three-year Cognizant "Continuous Value Services" statement of work ($388,073.50) for support during the first three years after go-live. Change Orders 1-3 (May-August 2023) had addressed HCM and payroll scoping and testing.Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-announced-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-announced-2023/NewsChannel 10 reported that the City planned to put a digital human named Emma on its website in early 2024, describing it as the first for a local government. Assistant City Manager Rich Gagnon said it would contain only publicly available website information and would not be connected to internal systems or customer information.Wed, 01 Nov 2023 12:00:00 GMTEmma, the City of Amarillo's website digital human (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-council-discussion-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-council-discussion-2023/The October 24, 2023 regular meeting agenda listed a discussion of "recent State of Texas actions related to prohibiting abortion and related activities, such as the Texas Heartbeat Act," bills from the 88th Legislative Session "and any other local ordinance that could be considered." Interim City Manager Andrew Freeman presented the item, Mayor Cole Stanley asked each councilmember to state a position, and the minutes record that 49 people spoke: 15 for the item, 29 against and five on it. No vote was taken.Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-lpr-install-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-lpr-install-2023/NewsChannel10 reports that the Amarillo Regional Crime Center plans to install 37 license plate readers throughout the city by the end of October 2023, funded through Project Safe Neighborhood by a Smart Policing Initiative grant, and that collected data is kept for 30 days and then deleted.Thu, 19 Oct 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2023-oct-discharges/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2023-oct-discharges/About 322,670 gallons of wastewater discharged from Hollywood Road to Playa Lake 40 on October 2 and October 4, 2023. TCEQ issued a notice of enforcement on November 22, 2023, and its expedited agreed order (published in the Texas Register October 4, 2024) assessed a $44,625 penalty, of which $35,700 was paid.Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-fy2023-24-budget/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-fy2023-24-budget/The FY2023/24 budget book set the department's budget at $4,085,448. Its narrative said "Managed Intake coupled with surrender mitigation strategies before intake" had helped slow the number of pets entering through the intake office. Performance measures listed 8,857 total shelter intake and 3,327 euthanized for FY2021/22 (actual). The same book said fourteen of 148 City positions added since FY2016/17 were in Animal Management & Welfare, and listed $0.3 million in general capital for department improvements.Sun, 01 Oct 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2023-fee-increase/https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2023-fee-increase/The FY2023/24 budget included a 47.1% drainage fee increase, $1.08 a month for an average residential property, effective October 1, 2023, to cover additional debt issuances for capital improvements. The FY2023/24 capital plan listed FY2024 drainage utility projects including Lawrence Lake, Playa 7, lake dredging and Lamar Street at 45th Avenue ($2,500,000).Sun, 01 Oct 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2023-cip/https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2023-cip/The City's 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Program lists Surface Water Treatment (Osage Water Plant) projects including the chlorine system ($1,265,758), sedimentation basin improvements ($2,500,000 in FY2024), air scour for filters ($4,350,000), CPS 15 and 16 inverter replacement ($924,000), generators ($1,600,000) and Chem II building HVAC ($400,000), all programmed amounts.Sun, 01 Oct 2023 12:00:00 GMTOsage Water Treatment Plant: filter, basin and chlorine rehabilitation (2001-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-fy2024-informational-services/https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-fy2024-informational-services/The FY2023/24 budget says Utility Billing contact center staff had gone live taking calls for Solid Waste, Community Development and Animal Management, and that the department wanted to add departments and "proceed with the implementation of 311 Informational Services by utilizing our current Contact Center." The Utilities Office staffing list includes 12 311 Call Center Agents, three 311 Call Center Leads, one 311 Call Center Supervisor and four hourly 311 Call Center Agents.Sun, 01 Oct 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo 311: from a proposed non-emergency line (2016) to the Utility Billing contact center (2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fee-fy2024/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fee-fy2024/The adopted FY2023/24 budget raised the landfill tipping fee from $35.17 to $38.34 per ton, which the budget described as a 9% increase to partly fund a residential dumpster replacement program and cover increased operating costs, with a budgeted impact of $315,000. The same budget said landfill capital transfers for 2019/2020 through 2022/2023 had been reallocated because of COVID-19 budget constraints and that the City was considering debt for future expansion.Sun, 01 Oct 2023 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-fees-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-fees-2023/The adopted FY 2023-24 budget set admission at $5 at the Southeast and Southwest pools and $7 at Thompson Pool, with a stated budgetary impact of $17,385.Sun, 01 Oct 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-fy2024-initiatives/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-fy2024-initiatives/The FY2023/24 budget's IT narrative listed multi-year initiatives including Workday Enterprise Resource Planning (human resources, finance, payroll and timekeeping) and MyGovernmentOnline (MGO) (permitting, land management, work order management and 311). The same budget's capital plan listed a $4,623,000 replacement of Tyler Munis utility billing software, covered in the billing-system storyline.Sun, 01 Oct 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-mlb-upgrades-contract-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-mlb-upgrades-contract-2023/On September 26, 2023 the council voted 4-1, with Councilmember Josh Craft voting no, on a motion "to award a contract for $4,595,000 under duress" to Western Builders for upgrades to the Multipurpose Events Venue (Hodgetown) per Major League Baseball requirements. The work was funded with $4 million from the 2023 hotel occupancy tax revenue bonds and $595,000 from Elmore Sports Group. Western Builders was the only bidder shown on the bid tabulation.Tue, 26 Sep 2023 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2023-24-rate/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2023-24-rate/The rate went from $0.40628 to $0.39195 per $100 ($0.07751 debt service). The budget raised $4,026,731 (6.46%) more in property tax than the prior year. Council adopted it 5-0; the same budget included fee increases in several utilities and services.Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2023-sept-spills-repairs/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2023-sept-spills-repairs/Spills from Hollywood Road into Playa Lake 40 occurred over several days starting September 20, 2023. Assistant City Manager Floyd Hartman attributed the plant's condition to decades of deferred maintenance, the plant's age and the 2023 flooding. He had presented six critical projects to council on September 12, and said about $17 million in budgeted cash had been put toward repairs.Wed, 20 Sep 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-budget-fy2024-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-budget-fy2024-2023/At a special meeting the council adopted Resolution No. 09-19-23-2, approving the Center City TIRZ No. 1 budget for fiscal 2023/2024, by a 4-1 vote; Councilmember Tom Scherlen voted no. The budget memo shows about $2 million in revenue, $1.94 million of it from participating taxing entities, and about $1.3 million in expenses, including $247,876 for TIRZ #1 debt service.Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-aedc-budget-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-aedc-budget-2023/At a special meeting the council first voted 5-0 to amend the AEDC budget to show payroll and a new performance-pay line separately. Councilmember Les Simpson then moved to restore $200,000 to the West Texas Enterprize Challenge; the motion died for lack of a second. The council approved the budget 4-1, with Simpson voting no. The packet budget totals $3,503,340, including $380,000 for the Enterprize Challenge program.Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-lpr-purchase-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-lpr-purchase-2023/On the consent agenda, the City Council approves buying license plate reader technology for the Amarillo Regional Crime Center from Insight Public Sector for $147,150.00 under OMNIA cooperative contract 23-6692-03, funded by a Smart Policing Initiative grant awarded to the police department in 2021. The memo says the purchase will acquire 40 license plate readers. The consent agenda passed 5:0. The same reseller and OMNIA contract number appear on the City's later renewals of its "existing Flock Safety ALPR" system; the 2023 memo does not name the manufacturer.Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-garage-retail-sale-vote-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-garage-retail-sale-vote-2023/On September 12, 2023 the City Council voted 5-0 to approve a commercial contract selling the 22,169 square feet of commercial space in the Amarillo Local Government Corporation parking garage at 600 S. Buchanan to Llano Group, LLC for $1,900,000.Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-rider40-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-rider40-2023/A rider in the state budget for fiscal 2024-2025 takes effect, prohibiting any entity funded by the state health department from promoting COVID-19 vaccines; local health departments may still give the vaccine and hold clinics that offer other recommended vaccines as well. The reporting does not mention Amarillo.Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/freeman-interim/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/freeman-interim/Council unanimously appoints Deputy City Manager Andrew Freeman as interim city manager.Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/miller-fired/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/miller-fired/At an August 23 special meeting, council votes 5-0 to separate from Miller "without cause" and approves a separation agreement. No public reason is given.Wed, 23 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-retail-sale-recommended-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-retail-sale-recommended-2023/The LGC board voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council approve a contract to sell the commercial portion of the downtown parking garage to Llano Group, LLC. Deputy City Manager Andrew Freeman told the board the sales price would cover all of the debt the LGC owed on the property, including the TIRZ #1 note payable and a loan from the City.Wed, 16 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2023-coa-affirms/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2023-coa-affirms/The Seventh Court of Appeals (No. 07-22-00341-CV, opinion by Justice Lawrence M. Doss) affirmed the trial court. Mayor Cole Stanley said he could not speak directly about the case while it remained in litigation.Wed, 16 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-garage-retail-sale-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-garage-retail-sale-2023/The LGC board recommended that the council approve a contract to sell the commercial section of the downtown parking garage on South Buchanan, including 22,000 square feet of retail space, to Llano Group, LLC for $1.9 million. Council consideration was scheduled for September 12, 2023, with a target closing of January 28, 2024.Wed, 16 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2023-rate-proposal/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2023-rate-proposal/During budget talks, a 5% water rate increase was under consideration. Assistant City Manager Floyd Hartman cited higher electricity costs and needed construction. The report does not mention sewer rates or the wastewater plants.Thu, 10 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-workday-selected-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-workday-selected-2023/A Workday news brief listed the City of Amarillo among Texas local governments that had selected Workday applications. The City's chief information officer was quoted calling the Workday update "the most impactful, critical update the city has done" and saying the City anticipated the partnership would save taxpayers about $1.8 million.Wed, 09 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-xcel-substation-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-xcel-substation-2023/Xcel Energy announced completion of a $7.6 million upgrade at its Farmers Substation, southeast of South Georgia Street and Farmers Avenue, and new power lines serving growth at the AEDC's South Georgia Business Park. The release named the hydraulic hose maker, Cacique and Caviness Beef as new facilities there and quoted AEDC CEO Kevin Carter.Thu, 03 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-dell-award-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/emma-digital-human/emma-dell-award-2023/Consent item 8.O awarded Dell Technologies a contract, not to exceed $582,948.89 under Texas DIR contract DIR-TSO-3763, for "the development of a Digital Human and all associated Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge fabric to support website, digital literacy, and 311 functions." Councilmember Josh Craft asked that the item be considered separately; after Assistant City Manager and CIO Rich Gagnon presented it, the council approved it 5-0.Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMTEmma, the City of Amarillo's website digital human (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2023-street-debt-direction/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2023-street-debt-direction/KFDA reported that in August 2023 the council directed staff to develop a plan for issuing debt each year for street maintenance and reconstruction. A revised plan went to the council in February 2025.Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-interest-meeting-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-interest-meeting-2023/According to the Amarillo Tribune, on July 13, 2023 the founder of the Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn Initiative, who does not live in Amarillo, held an interest meeting at an Amarillo church proposing that the city adopt the ordinance.Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2023-pumping-funding/https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2023-pumping-funding/KFDA reported that the council had extended two playa lake pump contracts costing over $500,000 and that pumping was paid from an $800,000 stormwater drainage extensions and improvements line in the capital program; the Interim Public Works Director said the City had not received federal or state funding for the contracts.Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2023-osage-lift-station-spill/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2023-osage-lift-station-spill/The City reported that a mechanical failure at a lift station near South Osage Street and Southeast 58th Avenue caused a manhole to overflow, releasing about 850,000 gallons of untreated wastewater; cleanup was complete by 9 a.m. on July 3, 2023. TCEQ was notified.Mon, 03 Jul 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-surge-staffing-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-surge-staffing-2023/On the consent agenda, the City Council approves a one-year renewal of Angel Staffing, Inc.'s contract for professional surge staffing for public health (registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, epidemiologists and public health specialists), not to exceed $2,481,280 per year and funded through DSHS grants. The memo says the department had grant deliverables through June 30, 2024 and that the grant budget for the item was 73% expended. The consent agenda passed 4:0.Tue, 27 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-messaging-discussion-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-messaging-discussion-2023/At its June 27 meeting the City Council discusses the service agreement for COVID-19 communications and marketing services funded through a DSHS grant. Mayor Stanley described it as a $2.4 million grant for promoting the COVID-19 vaccine and asked whether the City could stay compliant while promoting overall health and wellness; the Director of Public Health said the project is funded by the CARES Act, has five objectives and runs to June 30, 2024. Councilmember Scherlen asked the department for a spending and messaging plan for council review. Three members of the public spoke.Tue, 27 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2023-sb2035-veto/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2023-sb2035-veto/SB 2035, filed after the Amarillo lawsuit, would have barred tax anticipation notes and certificates of obligation for five years in place of bonds voters had rejected for the same purpose. Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed it, saying it had "too many loopholes."Tue, 13 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2023-june-flooding/https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2023-june-flooding/During early-June 2023 flooding, Lawrence Lake overflowed around Paramount Boulevard, Olsen and 45th Avenue, and homes near the Greenways playa (Playa 7) could not be reoccupied. At a June 8 special meeting the council continued the mayor's disaster declaration and voted 4-0 to rent a temporary pump for Playa 7 from United Rentals. By June 14 the City and TxDOT pumps had removed about 275 million gallons from the lakes, the City said.Thu, 08 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2023-june-flood-spills/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2023-june-flood-spills/During citywide flooding, the Hollywood Road plant spilled untreated and partially treated wastewater into the playa lake on its grounds. A city press release put the June 2-3 spill at about 900,000 gallons untreated and 3,000,000 gallons partially treated; TCEQ was notified.Fri, 02 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2023-osage-manhole-spills/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2023-osage-manhole-spills/The City reported that a manhole at 5601 S. Osage Street overflowed on June 1, 2023 after five lift stations backed up, releasing about 980,000 gallons, and overflowed again on June 2 during heavy rain, releasing an estimated 50,000 gallons of untreated wastewater. TCEQ was notified. These were collection-system overflows, separate from the Hollywood Road plant spills the same week.Thu, 01 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-public-safety-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-public-safety-2023/The City said $2.2 million in ARPA funds originally set for athletic field lighting, which it said was funded by other means, would go half to Medi Park lighting (with any remainder to low- and moderate-income parks) and half to police and fire equipment, including cardiac monitors for every frontline fire truck and paramedic training for 15 firefighters.Mon, 01 May 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-cell10-award-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-cell10-award-2023/On its consent agenda, approved 5:0, the council awarded construction of the third and final phase of Cell 10 to low bidder Hammett Excavation, Inc. for $4,182,433.10 (Job Number 430121). Change Order No. 2, approved in December 2023, brought the total to $4,319,743.62. In September 2023 KFDA reported construction had begun in June 2023 and was half complete. The 2023 certificates of obligation included $5,865,000 supported by solid waste revenue for landfill facilities (see the certificates-of-obligation storyline).Tue, 25 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-amendment-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-amendment-2023/The council approved an amendment to the project plan for the second round of funds. The City's page does not list what changed.Tue, 25 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-construction/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-construction/A $2.6 million building permit for interior demolition was issued April 13, 2023, with Western Builders as construction manager at risk. Interior demolition began May 1, 2023 and was reported complete June 13, 2023, when the projected cost was $33 million.Thu, 13 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2023-open-container/https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2023-open-container/The council amended Municipal Code Section 10-3-44, the open alcoholic beverage container prohibition in the Central Business District, so that its definition of a "public place" excludes the area of a premises permanently licensed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for on-premise consumption, among other areas. It passed 5-0 on first reading on April 11, 2023 and on the consent agenda, 5-0, on April 25, 2023.Tue, 11 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMTCity Council votes on alcohol-sales variances and specific use permits (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/miller-contract-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/miller-contract-2023/At a special meeting about a month before the May 6, 2023 city election, the council voted 4-1 to approve City Manager Jared Miller's draft employment contract "as it is written." News reports said the agreement raised his salary from $294,000 to $313,000 a year, raised his vacation from 16 to 25 days, and required four of five council votes to remove him without cause. Councilmember Cole Stanley voted no. The council separated from Miller without cause on August 23, 2023.Mon, 03 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-adc-permit-mod-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-adc-permit-mod-2023/TCEQ issued a modification to Permit No. 73A authorizing polypropylene tarps and TOPCOAT spray-on cover materials as alternative daily cover, based on the City's application dated November 21, 2022. The modification revised the permit's site operating plan. TCEQ's Chief Clerk sent notice of the action on April 5, 2023 to Director of Public Works Donny Hooper.Thu, 30 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-mlb-upgrade-bonds-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-mlb-upgrade-bonds-2023/The council voted unanimously to authorize $4.5 million in hotel occupancy tax and revenue bonds for Hodgetown upgrades required under MLB facility standards, including locker rooms and facilities for women, a dining area and extended netting. Repayment sources include the team lease, the Convention and Visitors Bureau and hotel tax collections through 2043.Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-plant-as-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-plant-as-2023/The council voted 5-0 to approve an AEDC location incentive agreement with Plant-AS-DNPS-003-2 providing $3,750,000 for up to 750 jobs and conveyance of 400 acres near Folsom Road and 24th Street valued at $4,800,000. The motion was amended to pay the $3,750,000 over 10 years instead of five. The council also approved a 10-year stair-step tax abatement for SW 003 Distribution Logistics, LLC.Tue, 14 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-mgo-launch-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-mgo-launch-2023/A City news release dated March 9, 2023 announced that the Building Safety Department's new software system, My Government Online Connect (MGO Connect), would be used for permits, licensing and code enforcement. The previous system closed Friday, March 10 at 4 p.m. and MGO began Monday, March 13, 2023.Mon, 13 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-ac-extension-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-ac-extension-2023/The Amarillo College Board of Regents unanimously approved an addendum to the college's Center City TIRZ #1 participation agreement with the City of Amarillo, described in the minutes as a 20-year extension at 50% property tax rate participation.Tue, 28 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-potter-extension-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-potter-extension-2023/Potter County Commissioners Court voted 5-0 to approve an addendum to the County's Center City TIRZ #1 participation agreement with the City of Amarillo, listed on the agenda as "TIRZ #1 Extension," after an explanation by Assistant City Manager Andrew Freeman. The agenda lists the addendum and Ordinance No. 8032 as attachments; the addendum's terms were not available to read.Mon, 27 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-city-marshal-office-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-city-marshal-office-2023/A reorganization approved by the City Manager's Office moved staff from the Fire Marshal's Office, Building Safety and other departments into a new City Marshal's Office. It took over citywide inspections, including substandard and dangerous structures, and oversight of the dangerous structure process that can end in demolition, as well as coordination of the Condemnation Appeals Commission. The City said it used existing positions and had no effect on the FY2022/23 budget.Wed, 22 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's dangerous-structure demolitions and the in-house demolition program (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-fy2022-acfr/https://amarilloledger.com/events/forensic-audit-2026/fa-fy2022-acfr/The independent auditor's report on the City's financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2022 is dated February 21, 2023 and states an unmodified opinion. Beginning net position was restated to apply the new GASB 87 lease standard retroactively.Tue, 21 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-phig-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-phig-2023/On the consent agenda, the City Council accepts a $1,300,589 DSHS award running through December 31, 2027 "to make strategic investments in public health infrastructure created during the COVID-19 pandemic", under the CDC's Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems program. The consent agenda passed 5-0.Tue, 14 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-loan-amendment-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-loan-amendment-2023/The TIRZ #1 board voted unanimously to amend its loan to the LGC, by then $2,037,092.50 with interest. Interest stopped accruing; $500,000 is due by 2036; $1,037,092.50 is forgiven in proportion to retail floor area leased (including the space already leased); and the final $500,000 is forgiven if all the retail space is leased within five years, or else added to the amount due by 2036. The LGC board approved the amendment 6-0 on February 15, 2023.Thu, 09 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-el-barrio-coverage/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-el-barrio-coverage/The Texas Tribune reported the City's $24 million AT&T deal, with $2 million in ARPA funds and AT&T funding the rest, would reach more than 22,000 locations including the El Barrio neighborhood, and was expected to take three years and be 70 percent complete by 2024.Tue, 07 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-populous-renovation-design-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-populous-renovation-design-2023/On January 31, 2023 the City Council voted 5-0 to approve a contract for architectural and engineering services related to renovations at Hodgetown with Populous, the firm that designed the ballpark, for $525,000. The City's facilities director presented the item.Tue, 31 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/750k-transfer/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/750k-transfer/Kevin Carter emails city finance officials requesting a $750,000 transfer to The Range; the City, acting as fiduciary agent, completes the wire the same day. The amount prepays 2023, 2024 and 2025 dues. The line item was budgeted at $100,000; AEDC counsel said the corporation stayed within its overall budget using savings from other lines.Fri, 20 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2023-series-2023-bonds/https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2023-series-2023-bonds/The council adopted Ordinance No. 8039, 5-0, authorizing Drainage Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 2023, pledging the drainage system's net revenues; the CFO and the City's financial advisor presented it. City financial reports record $4,675,000 issued, maturing through 2042.Tue, 10 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2023-landfill-parks/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2023-landfill-parks/In December 2022 the City said it would take COs to the council on January 10, 2023 for the next landfill phase and for park amenities in the Colonies and Heritage Hills public improvement districts. City financial reports record Series 2023 COs of $9,825,000: $5,865,000 supported by solid waste revenue for landfill facilities and $3,960,000 supported by district assessments.Tue, 10 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2023-member-city-meetings/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2023-member-city-meetings/CRMWA states that since 2023 its staff has met with each member city at least twice to discuss CRMWA II timing and what it would provide: more water, supply redundancy and partial infrastructure redundancy.Sun, 01 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-commitment-reduced-2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-commitment-reduced-2023/The City's fiscal 2024 and 2025 annual financial reports state that in 2023 the AEDC's agreement with the Texas Tech University System was reduced by $5 million. The reports do not give a date or reason.Sun, 01 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-collab-payments-begin/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-collab-payments-begin/The City's check register records its first payment to Collaborative Solutions LLC on December 29, 2022. In May 2020 Cognizant announced an agreement to acquire Collaborative Solutions, which it described as a consultancy specializing in Workday finance and HR applications. Register payments to Collaborative Solutions continue through May 29, 2025.Thu, 29 Dec 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-zone-extension-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-zone-extension-2022/After a public hearing and first reading on November 8, 2022, the council passed Ordinance No. 8032 on second reading as part of a consent agenda approved 5-0 on December 13, 2022. It changed the zone's end date from December 31, 2036 to December 31, 2056, extended the zone's boundaries, set the City's contribution at 100% of its tax increment until 2036 and 50% after that, and amended the project and financing plan. The staff memo estimated that the City would defer $14.6 million in tax revenue to the zone.Tue, 13 Dec 2022 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-senior-awards/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-senior-awards/The council unanimously awarded $600,000 in ARPA money for senior services: Catholic Charities $175,000, Wesley Community Center $181,400, United Way of Amarillo and Canyon $143,600 and Family Care Foundation $100,000. Eight nonprofits applied; a review committee ranked the applications.Tue, 13 Dec 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/tyler-billing-outage-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/tyler-billing-outage-2022/A Tyler Technologies software upgrade disrupts water-service payment processing. The City waives late fees and suspends auto-draft; customers must re-register their online portal accounts. Penalties resume January 3, 2023.Tue, 13 Dec 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/grant-street-property/gsp-2022-purchase-closed/https://amarilloledger.com/events/grant-street-property/gsp-2022-purchase-closed/A 2024 City agenda memo and ABC 7 both state that the City bought the property in December 2022 for $1.3 million. The September 6, 2022 purchase agreement had set closing for on or before September 30, 2022.Thu, 01 Dec 2022 12:00:00 GMTCity purchase and resale of 501-517 S. Grant Street (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2022-city-appeal/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2022-city-appeal/The City appealed; the plaintiff also cross-appealed. Mayor Ginger Nelson said the City was "seeking clarification on existing state law" and that the lawsuit's delay had made the project infeasible given higher construction costs and interest rates.Thu, 10 Nov 2022 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-lgc-grant-request-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-lgc-grant-request-2022/Reviewing unaudited fiscal 2022 statements, the LGC board heard that removing the TIRZ #1 loan would lower the break-even rent for the retail space to $3.95 per square foot. Board members agreed that staff should approach TIRZ #1 about turning the loan agreement into a grant.Wed, 09 Nov 2022 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-att-construction/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-att-construction/KFDA reported the fiber network was being built to serve about 23,000 locations in north Amarillo, with a $30-per-month base plan, no cost for residents needing financial help, first connections expected in January 2023 and completion estimated at 18 to 36 months.Thu, 03 Nov 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-cmar-selected/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-cmar-selected/The council approved Western Builders, Inc. as construction manager at risk for renovating the Amarillo Hardware building as the new City Hall and authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute a final construction agreement at a price not to exceed $28,000,000. The vote was 3-1: Councilmember Cole Stanley voted no and Councilmember Howard Smith was absent.Tue, 25 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2022-trial-judgment/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2022-trial-judgment/In the 320th District Court (Potter County), visiting Judge William Sowder voided the May 24, 2022 approval, finding insufficient notice of the meeting's subject and that new Civic Center construction was not a "public work" eligible for tax anticipation notes. The City was ordered to pay the plaintiff's attorney fees.Tue, 25 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2022-lighting-contract/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2022-lighting-contract/The council voted 4-0, with Mayor Pro Tem Freda Powell absent, to award Musco Sports Lighting, LLC $7,551,372 to demolish old lighting systems and install new LED field lighting and utility pads at seven Parks and Recreation facilities. The minutes do not state the funding source.Tue, 11 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-erp-awards-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-erp-awards-2022/The City Council voted 4-0 (Mayor Pro Tem Freda Powell absent) on four awards for the new financial/ERP system: implementation services to Collaborative Solutions, a Cognizant company (not to exceed $2,382,515); a 15-year Workday software-as-a-service agreement through reseller Precision Task Group under a Texas DIR contract (not to exceed $18,067,068); a five-year Can/Am Technologies cashiering SaaS agreement ($566,211); and BerryDunn project management for the implementation ($1,765,000). Staff memos said RFP P06-22 drew bids from eight vendors and the evaluation committee recommended Collaborative Solutions, which proposed Workday.Tue, 11 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-free-chip-month-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-free-chip-month-2022/Animal Management & Welfare (AM&W) reported to its advisory board that during the October 2022 "Return to Home Challenge" it implanted 809 microchips at no charge. Free microchip clinics, later supported by donated chips from the BISSELL Pet Foundation, continued in later years.Sat, 01 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMTProposed requirement to microchip dogs and cats in Amarillo (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-moved-to-utility-billing/https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-moved-to-utility-billing/The FY2022/23 budget's position distribution removes one hourly 311 customer service representative, two 311 Customer Service Representative II positions and one 311 Customer Service Supervisor from IT Telecom and adds the same four positions to the Utilities Office (Utility Billing), a supplemental total of $156,042. The same book's organization chart lists "Broadband/311" under the Assistant City Manager/CIO. The Utility Billing narrative describes InContact call center software with an auto-callback feature.Sat, 01 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo 311: from a proposed non-emergency line (2016) to the Utility Billing contact center (2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fee-fy2023/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fee-fy2023/Ordinance No. 8004, the FY2022/23 budget ordinance printed in the final budget book, amended Sec. 8-3-94 to change the landfill use fee from $33.50 to $35.17 per ton. The same budget book's revenue narrative says the landfill tipping fees "will remain flat."Sat, 01 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-ord-8016-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/pet-microchipping/pm-ord-8016-2022/Ordinance No. 8016, adopted September 27, 2022, repealed Municipal Code Sec. 8-2-12, which had provided for a humane society to operate at the animal shelter, and also amended the animal fee schedule (Sec. 8-2-4). Sec. 8-2-12 remained "Reserved" in the code as codified through December 2025. The code already barred an impounded animal over three months old without an implanted microchip from being redeemed, transferred or adopted until a microchip was implanted, with a $15 labor fee plus the market cost of the chip.Tue, 27 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMTProposed requirement to microchip dogs and cats in Amarillo (2025-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-round2-reported/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-round2-reported/KFDA reported the second round of about $19 million was fully allocated, listing fire $745,300, parks $2,165,000 and police $750,000 - amounts that differ from the City's later published table (fire $1,552,300, parks $1,000,000, police $1,108,000). Funds were to be accounted for by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026.Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/grant-street-property/gsp-2022-purchase-vote/https://amarilloledger.com/events/grant-street-property/gsp-2022-purchase-vote/The council authorized the City Manager to execute a contract to buy multiple buildings and land at 501, 509 and 517 S. Grant Street for $1,300,000 plus closing costs and related expenses. Mayor Ginger Nelson, Mayor Pro Tem Freda Powell and Councilmembers Eddy Sauer and Howard Smith voted yes; Councilmember Cole Stanley voted no. The agenda memo listed the council priority as Economic Development/Redevelopment and the funding as excess hotel occupancy tax collections and excess general fund cash. Assistant City Manager Andrew Freeman presented the item.Tue, 13 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMTCity purchase and resale of 501-517 S. Grant Street (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-rail-removal-award/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-rail-removal-award/The council awarded Howell Sand $116,003.00 to demolish railroad tracks, ties and paving at 6th, 7th and 9th avenues and the alley between 7th and 8th avenues, to allow utility updates for the new City Hall. The vote was 4-1, with Councilmember Cole Stanley voting no.Tue, 13 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2022-23-rate/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2022-23-rate/Council approved the FY2022/23 budget and rate 4-0 (one member absent). The rate went from $0.44334 to $0.40628 per $100 ($0.07549 debt service). Council had earlier considered a rate near 49 cents that included Civic Center renovation funding.Thu, 08 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-membership-budgeted-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-membership-budgeted-2022/The AEDC board approved its 2022/2023 budget with $100,000 under project support for Amarillo Global Food Hub membership; the AEDC's outside counsel later wrote that neither organization knew the fee amount and the figure was a placeholder. The City Council approved the same budget on September 13, 2022, and it took effect October 1, 2022.Mon, 29 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-shutdown/https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-shutdown/The contract with the operator (named as Verra Mobility by KVII and American Traffic Solutions by the Amarillo Pioneer) ends August 29, 2022 and the cameras stop issuing citations at midnight. The City reports 331,556 citations over the 15-year contract, 76,278 of them in 2022. Equipment may remain up to 90 days for removal.Mon, 29 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's red-light camera program (2007-2022)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2022b-tax-notes-vote/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2022b-tax-notes-vote/The council adopted Ordinance No. 8003 authorizing "City of Amarillo, Texas, Tax Notes, Series 2022B," payable from an annual property tax levy, 4-1 with Councilmember Cole Stanley voting no. City financial reports describe the notes as $7,345,000 for enterprise resource planning software ($3,650,000, tax-supported) and construction and improvement of fleet services fuel islands ($3,695,000, supported by the Fleet Services Fund), maturing through 2029. Tax notes are a separate instrument from certificates of obligation.Tue, 16 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-tax-notes-2022b/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-tax-notes-2022b/The City issued Tax Notes, Series 2022B, totaling $7,345,000 for enterprise resource planning software and fleet fuel-island improvements. The property-tax-supported portion, $3,650,000, was used to procure the ERP software. The notes carry rates of 3.00%-5.00% and mature annually through February 15, 2029.Mon, 15 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-albers-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-albers-2022/At the same meeting the council voted 4-0 to approve an AEDC location incentive agreement with Unmanned Systems, Inc. (Albers Aerospace) providing $8 million in two installments (half within 30 days of approval and half after one year) and conveyance of 30 acres valued at $1,800,000, and a 10-year, 100% tax abatement. The AEDC board had given preliminary approval on July 25, 2022.Tue, 02 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-a7-austin-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-a7-austin-2022/The council voted 4-0 to approve an AEDC location incentive agreement with A-5 Realty, LLC and A-7 Austin, LLC, a hydraulic hose manufacturer, providing $300,000 for full-time jobs paid over five years and conveyance of 20.7 acres valued at $724,500, and a 60% tax abatement for six years. The Globe-News placed the planned 100,000 square-foot hydraulic hose plant at South Georgia Street and East Farmers Avenue.Tue, 02 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-register-payments/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-register-payments/The City's published check registers record 72 payments totaling $51,535,515.95 to the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority between July 21, 2022 and May 14, 2026, under two payee names. The register does not tie payments to projects or separate water purchases from debt service.Thu, 21 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-final-payments/https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-final-payments/The City's pooled-fund check register, which begins in July 2022, records six payments to American Traffic Solutions Inc. from July 15 to December 8, 2022 totaling $285,973.50, and none after.Fri, 15 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's red-light camera program (2007-2022)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-att-approved/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-att-approved/The Globe-News reported the council unanimously approved a $24 million citywide fiber network with AT&T, with the City committing $2 million in ARPA funds; Chief Information Officer Rich Gagnon put coverage at 22,837 homes. The approval was announced on a Tuesday at a news conference during the council meeting.Tue, 28 Jun 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-att-selected/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-att-selected/The City announced it had selected AT&T to build fiber serving homes, apartments, government buildings and businesses, with the contract to go to the council for approval. Telecompetitor reported a tentative $24 million agreement with a $2 million City contribution including ARPA funds and $22.2 million from AT&T.Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-pallet-shelter-proposal/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-pallet-shelter-proposal/At a June 2022 council meeting, the Director of Community Development proposed a "Pallet Shelter Village" for unsheltered homeless residents, to be started with just over $1 million in ARPA funds and additional community contributions. KFDA reported no vote.Tue, 14 Jun 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-round2-allocation/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-round2-allocation/The City lists second-half allocations of $14,313,919 for lost revenue, $1,552,300 for fire, $1,363,940 for homeless reintegration, $1,108,000 for police, $1,000,000 for parks, $400,000 for neighborhood improvement and $100,000 for senior support.Tue, 14 Jun 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-site-demolition/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-site-demolition/The City began demolishing three downtown buildings to clear space for a parking lot and the area around the planned City Hall; the work was expected to take about three weeks.Tue, 14 Jun 2022 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-second-tranche/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-second-tranche/The City received the remaining half of its $39.7 million allocation.Mon, 06 Jun 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2022-lawsuit-filed/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2022-lawsuit-filed/A local businessman and property owner sued the City, alleging the council approved the notes without notice to taxpayers of the debt terms and the taxes pledged to repay it, and sought a temporary injunction against issuing the debt.Fri, 27 May 2022 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-pob-cvmr-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-pob-cvmr-2022/Eight days after AEDC board approval, the council voted 5-0 on each item: an AEDC agreement to pay Producer Owned Beef, LLC $8,000,000 for jobs over five years and convey 610 acres valued at $3,109,200, a 10-year, 100% City tax abatement and a Chapter 380 agreement for a 600,000 square-foot food processing plant; and an AEDC agreement to pay CVMR (Texas) Inc. $20,000,000 for jobs over ten years and convey 540 acres valued at $4,500,000, with a 10-year, 100% tax abatement.Tue, 24 May 2022 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-plan-amendment-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-plan-amendment-2022/After the TIRZ #1 board approved the change on May 5, 2022, the council adopted Ordinance No. 7980 on second reading on its consent agenda. The amendment added Civic Center Complex expansion and renovation, including an arena, and Santa Fe Depot improvements to the plan's project list, stating that these costs were not expected to be financed with TIRZ revenues.Tue, 24 May 2022 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-scpdc-ila-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-scpdc-ila-2022/On its consent agenda (5-0) the City Council approved an interlocal agreement with the South Central Planning and Development Commission (SCPDC), a Louisiana regional planning commission whose applications include MyPermitNow and MyGovernmentOnline, for permitting, licensing, planning, code enforcement and 311 software. The IT department's memo said the software could replace the City's Tyler EnerGov and 311 applications and save over $300,000 a year in support fees. The two-year contract value was $270,700.08.Tue, 24 May 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2022-tan-approval/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2022-tan-approval/The council approved $260 million in tax anticipation notes for a plan to add an arena, rehabilitate the Civic Center and restore the Santa Fe Depot. The City said the notes would raise the property tax rate from 44 cents to 57 cents per $100 of valuation.Tue, 24 May 2022 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-eda-grant-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-eda-grant-2022/The U.S. Economic Development Administration announced a $2.4 million American Rescue Plan grant to the AEDC for road, water and sewer infrastructure at the South Georgia Business Park, matched with $720,000 in local funds.Wed, 11 May 2022 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2022-hollywood-discharges/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2022-hollywood-discharges/On April 24, 2022 the Hollywood Road Wastewater Reclamation Facility released about 820,000 gallons after effluent overflowed its filters, according to the City. A complaint was filed with TCEQ the same day. TCEQ's later enforcement summary lists unauthorized discharges from the plant's flow equalization basin into Playa Lake 40 from April 24 to June 9, 2022, and a 1.25 million-gallon discharge from Lift Station No. 33 on July 29, 2022.Sun, 24 Apr 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-ribbon-cutting-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-ribbon-cutting-2022/Governor Greg Abbott spoke at the ribbon cutting for the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo, described as the first new veterinary school to open in Texas in more than a century.Fri, 22 Apr 2022 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-warehouse-demolition-award/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-warehouse-demolition-award/The council awarded a $139,700 contract to Lloyd D Nabors Demolition, LLC, the lowest of six bids, to demolish three warehouses at the Amarillo Hardware building site at 600 S. Grant for a construction staging area and a parking lot for the new City Hall. The item was pulled from the consent agenda at Councilmember Cole Stanley's request and passed 4-1.Tue, 12 Apr 2022 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-status-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-status-2022/The City said it had received $19.8 million of $39.7 million in ARPA funding, with the remainder expected in May 2022.Thu, 24 Mar 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-utility-relocation-awards/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-utility-relocation-awards/Four consent items to remove and relocate gas, communication, power and City fiber lines for the future City Hall were removed from the consent agenda at Councilmember Cole Stanley's request and approved separately, each 4-1: Atmos Energy $74,317.00, AT&T $52,103.87, Xcel Energy $413,197.65 and Hard Rock Directional Drilling $123,988.00.Tue, 22 Mar 2022 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-staffing-profile-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-staffing-profile-2022/A UNT Health Science Center profile of the Director of Public Health reports that the department's staffing grew from 39 to 100 workers during peak times and that more than 70 computer stations were set up for contact tracing.Tue, 22 Mar 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2022-park-lighting/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2022-park-lighting/The City issued $6,815,000 in Combination Tax and Revenue COs, Series 2022, for acquiring, constructing, improving and installing lighting for park and recreational facilities, maturing through 2043.Tue, 15 Mar 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2022-pipebursting-award/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2022-pipebursting-award/The council approved, 5-0 on consent, a $1,925,095 construction contract with King Solution Services to install new six-inch sanitary sewer main by pipe bursting, with sewer taps and manholes. A May 23, 2023 change order raised it to $1,984,049.Tue, 08 Mar 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-caviness-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-caviness-2022/The council voted 5-0 to approve a location incentive agreement under which the AEDC would provide Caviness Beef Packers, Ltd. $1,000,000 for up to 100 new full-time jobs, paid over five years on a five-year performance term. The AEDC board approved it the same morning. The AEDC described the new plant as being at South Loop 335 and Washington.Tue, 22 Feb 2022 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-hra-plan-accepted-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-hra-plan-accepted-2022/The Tribune timeline reports that Laura Street presented the research findings and proposed plan, she and AEDC President and CEO Kevin Carter answered board questions, and the board approved the HR&A Innovation Development Strategic Plan unanimously.Tue, 22 Feb 2022 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-coyne-contract-2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-coyne-contract-2022/The City Council awards RFP 04-22, communications and marketing services to support the COVID-19 vaccination program of the Amarillo Department of Public Health, to Mary Coyne Marketing Communications, LLC for up to $2,446,000, funded through a DSHS grant. Mayor Nelson, Councilmembers Powell, Sauer and Smith voted yes; Councilmember Stanley voted no.Tue, 08 Feb 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2022-lighting-notice/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2022-lighting-notice/After a discussion of funding options for repairing athletic field lighting, the council adopted Resolution No. 01-25-22-3 authorizing publication of notice of intention to issue up to $7 million in certificates of obligation. The vote was 4-1, with Councilmember Cole Stanley voting no. The council authorized the certificates on March 22, 2022, and City financial reports record $6,815,000 issued for park lighting.Tue, 25 Jan 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2022-fulfillment-center-opens/https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2022-fulfillment-center-opens/KFDA reported in April 2024 that Amazon's first Amarillo fulfillment center opened in 2022, and that Amazon had opened a separate 30,000-square-foot last-mile facility in the AEDC's Centerport Business Park.Sat, 01 Jan 2022 12:00:00 GMTRezoning land beside the Amazon fulfillment center for industrial use, and other October 2026 rezonings (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/ami-project-approved/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/ami-project-approved/Amarillo approves replacement of more than 70,000 traditional water meters with Sensus iPERL smart meters, funded by a Texas Water Development Board Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan plus loan forgiveness. Smart meters record hourly usage and end estimated reads.Sat, 01 Jan 2022 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-city-hall-financing/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-city-hall-financing/A split council approved funding the move of City Hall into the Amarillo Hardware building through a combination of federal recovery funds (about $11 million), water-use collections and increased property tax collections, with bonds to be repaid over five years. Councilmember Cole Stanley voted against. The KFDA report did not name the federal program.Tue, 14 Dec 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-financing/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-financing/Councilmembers authorized $23.9 million in financing for renovating Amarillo Hardware into City Hall, to be supplemented with American Rescue Plan Act funds. Sources differ on whether the instrument was bonds or a bank loan, and on how the 2021 lawsuit ended. The minutes record the ordinance passing 3-1 (Stanley no, Smith absent).Tue, 14 Dec 2021 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-hra-presentation-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/range-hra-presentation-2021/According to the Amarillo Tribune's timeline, AEDC board member Laura Street introduced a representative of HR&A Advisors, Inc., who presented the study HR&A was conducting on Amarillo and the Panhandle for innovation projects. No action was taken. A second presentation on January 19, 2022 included the future executive director of The RANGE; again no action was taken.Mon, 22 Nov 2021 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-nov9-options/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-nov9-options/Staff presented three options: renovate the existing City Hall, renovate a City-owned building, or build new. Councilmembers directed staff to prepare funding options for renovating Amarillo Hardware and to evaluate alternatives that reduce the property-tax impact.Tue, 09 Nov 2021 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-2021-election/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-2021-election/Voters rejected the proposed $0.48404 rate by a reported 55-45 margin in both Potter and Randall counties. The FY2021/22 rate became $0.44334 per $100 (the voter-approval rate), up from $0.39681.Tue, 02 Nov 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2021-gobrands-second/https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2021-gobrands-second/On second reading the council approved Ordinance No. 7938 and the variance for alcohol sales at 3420 SW 15th, 3-1. Mayor Ginger Nelson and Councilmembers Freda Powell and Cole Stanley voted yes, Councilmember Eddy Sauer voted no, and Councilmember Howard Smith was absent.Tue, 26 Oct 2021 12:00:00 GMTCity Council votes on alcohol-sales variances and specific use permits (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2021-gobrands-first/https://amarilloledger.com/events/alcohol-sales-permits/alc-2021-gobrands-first/The council considered Ordinance No. 7938, a variance to the distance regulation prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages within 300 feet of a public school, for alcohol sales at 3420 SW 15th for applicant GoBrands Texas, LLC. Environmental Health Director Anthony Spanel presented the item and a representative of the applicant spoke. The motion found that enforcing the distance rule "in this particular instance would not be effective or necessary." It passed 4-1, with Councilmember Eddy Sauer voting no.Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:00:00 GMTCity Council votes on alcohol-sales variances and specific use permits (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-broadband-plan/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-broadband-plan/KFDA reported the council gave $6 million in American Rescue Plan money to a City broadband plan for low-connectivity areas and low-income families, using radio transmitters on water towers to reach homes within three miles, after a pilot on the police department building. The City's allocation table lists $5,900,000 for citywide broadband.Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-round1-allocation/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-round1-allocation/The City Council approved a general plan for the first half of the funds, with individual projects to return for final approval. The City lists the allocations as $11,205,000 for lost revenue, $5,900,000 for citywide broadband, $750,000 for police, $600,000 for parks, $500,000 for senior support, $433,159 for fire, $350,000 for homeless reintegration and $100,000 for tourism.Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-distemper-appointments-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-distemper-appointments-2021/Advisory board minutes report that the shelter was operating with limited access and required appointments to reduce distemper exposure. Distemper accounted for 40% of euthanasia in July 2021, 41% in August and 36% in September. Reported live-release rates were 59% in July (782 intakes), 46% in August (626 intakes) and 54% in September (648 intakes). Later minutes reported 7,983 dog and cat intakes for calendar year 2021.Wed, 06 Oct 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-erp-7m-fy2022/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-erp-7m-fy2022/The adopted FY2021/22 budget included $7,004,950 for capital project 411486, Financial/ERP Software System, described as about 25% of General Capital expenditures, "for all core financial applications for the City of Amarillo."Fri, 01 Oct 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/water-rate-increase-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/water-rate-increase-2021/A 4% increase on water and sewer bills takes effect, earmarked to repay the smart meter project financing. The City's FY2019/20 budget book instead states the AMI 4% increase took effect October 1, 2019.Fri, 01 Oct 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-dshs-report-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-dshs-report-2021/A DSHS legislative report on federal public health funding to local health entities lists the Amarillo Department of Public Health's contracts, including three Immunization Grants lines ($99,866, $4,186,684 and $3,781,775.29), two Epidemiology & Lab Capacity lines ($249,477.80 and $311,847), two Public Health Emergency Response lines ($617,620 and $1,000,000) and a $500,000 line titled "Support Hlth Dept Response to Pub Health Crises COVID".Thu, 30 Sep 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-round4-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-round4-2021/The City Council approves the COVID Vaccine Round 4 grant from DSHS, $8,572,024 for September 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024 to fund COVID-19 vaccination efforts. The staff memo said Amarillo Public Health had given over 135,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses through its mass vaccination clinic model. Mayor Pro Tem Powell and Councilmembers Sauer and Smith voted yes; Councilmember Stanley voted no; Mayor Nelson was absent.Tue, 28 Sep 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-co-withdrawn/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-co-withdrawn/The council voted 4-1 on August 24, 2021 to repeal the resolution giving notice of intent to issue certificates of obligation for City Hall (reported by Texas Scorecard as $35 million). ABC7 later reported the City dropped that plan after the petition and lawsuit were filed.Tue, 24 Aug 2021 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-workforce-equity-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-workforce-equity-2021/On the consent agenda, the City Council accepts three DSHS awards tied to COVID-19: a $311,847 contact-supplement award through July 31, 2023; a $1,000,000 public health workforce award through June 30, 2023 "to establish, expand, train, and sustain the public health workforce to support COVID-19 prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives"; and a $500,000 health-equity award through May 31, 2023 to engage "communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19". The consent agenda passed 5:0.Tue, 10 Aug 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-first-class-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-first-class-2021/The school's inaugural class began in August 2021.Sun, 01 Aug 2021 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2021-22-budget/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2021-22-budget/The FY2021/22 budget was adopted 4-1 with Councilmember Cole Stanley against. The City's materials said the proposed rate's additional revenue would fund police, fire, streets and parks; the City CFO described the election as putting the decision with voters.Sun, 01 Aug 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-2021-ceiling-vote/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-2021-ceiling-vote/Council voted to set a proposed ceiling of about 48 cents per $100, above the $0.44334 voter-approval rate, which under state law required a November election. Councilmember Cole Stanley was the only vote against.Thu, 29 Jul 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-thompson-opens/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-thompson-opens/The new pool opened with a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m. on July 24, 2021, with a zero-edge entry leisure pool, a lazy river with a vortex pool, two run-out slides and a party pavilion.Sat, 24 Jul 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-petition/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-petition/A resident submitted a petition he said carried more than 10,000 signatures asking that the project go to voters; the stated threshold was about 5,700. Two days later the City filed suit in Travis County asking a judge to allow it to issue the certificates of obligation.Thu, 01 Jul 2021 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-architect/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-architect/The council voted to move ahead by hiring an architect. In July 2021 the City described the project as in pre-design under an initial architect contract. Sims + Architects designed the project.Tue, 29 Jun 2021 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-commentary-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-commentary-2021/A June 28, 2021 opinion piece on The Bull Amarillo's website argued that Amarillo needed a 311 system, stated that the city did not have one, and described the effort that began in 2016 as having had "false starts."Mon, 28 Jun 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo 311: from a proposed non-emergency line (2016) to the Utility Billing contact center (2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-opening-delay/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-opening-delay/The City moved the tentative opening to July 23, 2021, citing weather and pandemic effects on construction; a Parks and Recreation spokesperson cited 43 weather-delay dates.Fri, 25 Jun 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2021-garfield-agreement/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2021-garfield-agreement/Seven months after voters rejected Proposition A, the council voted 5-0 to enter into a pre-development services agreement with Garfield Public/Private LLC for professional services related to the Amarillo Civic Center Complex, at a cost not to exceed $494,200. The firm's final report was presented to the council on May 24, 2022, the same meeting at which the council approved tax notes for the project.Tue, 22 Jun 2021 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-lawsuit/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-lawsuit/A resident filed suit asking a judge to stop the project, arguing that issuing debt to renovate the Amarillo Hardware building would violate state law and the City Charter after the defeat of Proposition A. The suit cited Article IV, Section 1(d) of the Charter and argued the City must wait three years after a defeated bond.Tue, 22 Jun 2021 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-co-notice/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-co-notice/After staff presented options (renovate existing City Hall about $5.5 million, demolish and rebuild about $28.5 million, relocate to the Amarillo Hardware building about $31 million), the council approved publishing notice of intent to issue up to $35 million in certificates of obligation. Councilmember Cole Stanley cast the only vote against. A vote on specifics was set for August 10, 2021.Tue, 08 Jun 2021 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-energov-golive-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-energov-golive-2021/On June 1, 2021 Tyler Technologies announced the City had gone live with the EnerGov citizen self-service portal, workforce applications, Tyler Content Manager, Tyler Cashiering and electronic plan review. The release said the City was also using Tyler's Munis ERP and Eagle Recorder products. The exact go-live day was not stated.Tue, 01 Jun 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-exec-session-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/proposition-a-2024/pa-exec-session-2021/At its May 25, 2021 regular meeting, under Mayor Ginger Nelson, the council convened in executive session under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 to consult the City Attorney on items including "Sanctuary City for the Unborn Ordinance." The minutes record no open-session action on the topic. The Amarillo Tribune later reported that the proposal was first introduced to Amarillo in 2021 by the director of Right to Life of East Texas and an Amarillo resident.Tue, 25 May 2021 12:00:00 GMTThe citizen-initiated "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" ordinance and Proposition A (2023-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-first-tranche/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-first-tranche/The City received the first half of its $39.7 million allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.Wed, 19 May 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-community-solutions/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-community-solutions/The second session of the City's Community Solutions program, at the Civic Center Grand Plaza, covered the American Rescue Plan Act. Mayor Ginger Nelson said the City wanted community input on how to prioritize the funds.Mon, 17 May 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-treasury-allocation/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-treasury-allocation/The U.S. Treasury's allocation table for metropolitan cities listed Amarillo, Texas at $39,676,317. The City describes the total as $39.7 million.Sun, 09 May 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-immunization-covid-2021-04/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-immunization-covid-2021-04/On the consent agenda, the City Council accepts a $4,186,684 Immunization Grant COVID award from DSHS running from April 2021 through August 31, 2024 to fund COVID-19 vaccination efforts. The consent agenda passed 5:0.Tue, 27 Apr 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-vigilant-lpr-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/flock-cameras/flock-vigilant-lpr-2021/On the consent agenda, the City Council approves the purchase of fixed and mobile Vigilant License Plate Recognition (LPR) systems from Vigilant Solutions and Trinity Innovative Solutions for $105,000.28, mostly funded by a Project Safe Neighborhoods grant. The consent agenda passed 5:0. This is a different vendor from the later Flock system.Tue, 13 Apr 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo police license-plate reader cameras and the Flock Safety system (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-cacique-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-cacique-2021/After designating about 55 acres near South Georgia Street and Loop 335 as Reinvestment Zone No. 13 (Ordinance No. 7913, first reading March 9 and second reading March 23, 2021), the council voted 5-0 on a 10-year, 100% tax abatement and 5-0 on an AEDC location incentive agreement with Cacique, LLC for a food processing plant on 55 acres in the South Georgia Business Park. The agreement provides $5,000,000 for up to 500 jobs paid over five years, conveyance of the 55 acres, and $2,500 per relocating employee.Tue, 23 Mar 2021 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2021-amazon-announcement/https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2021-amazon-announcement/Amazon announced a one-million-square-foot fulfillment center at N.E. 24th and Loop 335, expected to open in early 2022 with more than 500 full-time jobs. AEDC President and CEO Kevin Carter told ABC 7 there were "probably 800 to 900 acres over there" not being used where the AEDC saw potential growth.Thu, 11 Mar 2021 12:00:00 GMTRezoning land beside the Amazon fulfillment center for industrial use, and other October 2026 rezonings (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-signed/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-signed/The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law. Its Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program delivered $350 billion to state, local and tribal governments, usable for replacing lost public-sector revenue, negative economic impacts, public health, water, sewer and broadband infrastructure, and premium pay for essential workers.Thu, 11 Mar 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-provisional-accreditation-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-provisional-accreditation-2021/The school received Provisional Accreditation from the AVMA Council on Education in March 2021.Mon, 01 Mar 2021 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-medley-director-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-medley-director-2021/NewsChannel 10 introduced Victoria Medley as the new director of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare. The report said she had worked for the City for 19 years, many of them in court services, and listed communication with rescue groups and public education as priorities.Mon, 22 Feb 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-xcel-sale-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-xcel-sale-2021/The AEDC board voted unanimously to sell 2 acres within the South Georgia Business Park to Xcel Energy at $20,000 per acre so the utility could expand electric capacity for the park and the surrounding area. News coverage said the sale still needed City Council approval.Mon, 22 Feb 2021 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-construction-2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-construction-2021/KFDA reported construction began in October 2020 with general contractor Wiley Hicks, Jr., Inc. and a Parkhill project manager, about 30 workers on site daily, and the project about 30 percent complete. Mayor Ginger Nelson called it a quality-of-life benefit.Fri, 29 Jan 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-immunization-covid-2021-01/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-immunization-covid-2021-01/On the consent agenda, the City Council accepts a $99,866 Immunization Grant COVID award from DSHS covering January 2020 through August 31, 2021 "to fund COVID-19 vaccination efforts." The consent agenda passed 5:0.Tue, 26 Jan 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2021-reinvestment-zone-abatement/https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2021-reinvestment-zone-abatement/On January 26, 2021 the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 7901 on second reading, designating about 110.39 acres at N.E. 24th Avenue and Loop 335 as Reinvestment Zone No. 12 (first reading January 12), approved a tax abatement for Amazon, and approved a location incentive agreement for Amazon.com Services LLC for a 1,000,000 square foot non-sortable fulfillment center. Each passed 4-1 with Councilmember Elaine Hays voting no. The executed agreement provides a 50 percent abatement of the incremental value for five years.Tue, 26 Jan 2021 12:00:00 GMTRezoning land beside the Amazon fulfillment center for industrial use, and other October 2026 rezonings (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2021-greenways/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2021-greenways/The City issued $975,000 in Combination Tax and Revenue COs, Series 2021, to improve park facilities in the Greenways Public Improvement District, paid from district special assessments.Fri, 15 Jan 2021 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/aedc-joins-range/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-range-750k/aedc-joins-range/The Tribune's Oct. 10, 2024 explainer says the AEDC paid $250,000 annual dues three years in advance in 2021; the Tribune's Dec. 1, 2024 timeline lists no 2021 payment and dates the first budgeted membership ($100,000) to August 2022.Fri, 01 Jan 2021 12:00:00 GMTAEDC's $750,000 payment to The Range and the resulting inquiry (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2020-amazon-abatement-application/https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2020-amazon-abatement-application/KFDA reported that Amazon Services LLC, ET Amarillo, LLC and the property owner, Happy Horizons Properties, filed a tax abatement application with the City for a facility at N.E. 24th and Lakeside, across Loop 335 from Centerport Business Park, estimated at about $70 million in improvements and $30 million in equipment.Mon, 28 Dec 2020 12:00:00 GMTRezoning land beside the Amazon fulfillment center for industrial use, and other October 2026 rezonings (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2020-council-ord-7898/https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2020-council-ord-7898/The City Council passed Ordinance No. 7898 on first reading 5-0 on December 8, 2020 after a public hearing with no comments, and on second and final reading 5-0 on the December 15, 2020 consent agenda. The staff report noted the tract was in the "Rural" category of the Comprehensive Plan's Future Land Use and Character Map, which the request did not conform to, and said the Rural designation resulted from the land's Agricultural "place holder" zoning.Tue, 08 Dec 2020 12:00:00 GMTRezoning land beside the Amazon fulfillment center for industrial use, and other October 2026 rezonings (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-purchase-vote/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-purchase-vote/Two weeks after the election the council voted to spend about $5.5 million on land and buildings in the downtown warehouse district as a site for a new City Hall. It declined to approve debt for the purchase and used cash reserves; no construction was approved.Tue, 17 Nov 2020 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2020-pz-amazon-site/https://amarilloledger.com/events/industrial-and-growth-rezonings/igr-2020-pz-amazon-site/The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved case Z-20-28, rezoning a 110.39-acre tract in Section 93, Block 2, A.B.&M. Survey, Potter County, from Agricultural District to Light Industrial District, on behalf of Happy Horizons Properties, L.P. Staff said the request was to develop the site with a 1.3 million square foot retail/commercial distribution warehouse. A representative of the developer and property owner told the commission the client would be closing on the property soon.Mon, 09 Nov 2020 12:00:00 GMTRezoning land beside the Amazon fulfillment center for industrial use, and other October 2026 rezonings (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2020-prioritization/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2020-prioritization/The Panhandle (A) planning group's prioritization of recommended projects for the 2021 regional water plan, which the TWDB uses as one criterion in ranking projects that seek SWIFT funding, listed a "CRMWA II Shared Pipeline" ($301,355,000), a "CRMWA II CRMWA Pipeline" ($100,489,000) and an Amarillo project, "Amarillo Well Field to CRMWA II Transmission Pipeline" ($92,956,000).Thu, 05 Nov 2020 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-2020-charter-election/https://amarilloledger.com/events/charter-election-2024/ce-2020-charter-election/According to the 2024 Charter Review Citizens Committee report, Amarillo voters on November 3, 2020 approved Charter Proposition C, which changed Article V, Section 12(a) so the council meets at least 24 times a year, and rejected Proposition B, which would have provided four-year staggered terms, by a margin of 6.7%. The report says the 1913 charter had been amended nine times, the 2020 amendment being the most recent, and that the Texas Constitution bars amending a city charter more often than every two years.Tue, 03 Nov 2020 12:00:00 GMTThe November 2024 Amarillo City Charter amendment election (2024-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2020-prop-a-rejected/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2020-prop-a-rejected/Proposition A, a $275 million bond for the Civic Center and related downtown projects, was defeated in the November 3, 2020 election. Mayor Ginger Nelson said, "I heard the voters say not now, not in this package, and I respect that result."Tue, 03 Nov 2020 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-prop-a-defeat/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-prop-a-defeat/Proposition A, a $275 million bond for the Civic Center and downtown projects, was defeated 62%-38%. Accounts differ on whether a new City Hall was part of the rejected package.Tue, 03 Nov 2020 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-fy2021-it-telecom/https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-fy2021-it-telecom/The FY2020/21 budget's IT Telecom staffing report lists two 311 Customer Service Representative II positions and one 311 Customer Service Supervisor, with a half-time IT generalist and a part-time PBX operator (4.5 positions, $186,686 in personal services). The FY2021/22 budget lists the same positions ($191,425). Both IT narratives describe EnerGov as covering permitting, land management, work orders and "enablement of 311."Thu, 01 Oct 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo 311: from a proposed non-emergency line (2016) to the Utility Billing contact center (2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-rate-oct2020/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-rate-oct2020/NewsChannel10 reported that a 3% water and sewer increase took effect October 1, 2020, as the second-to-last year of a five-year plan funding about $28.5 million in capital projects, which it said included automated metering infrastructure. An Assistant City Manager said the radio-read meters would give customers more timely and accurate usage information.Thu, 01 Oct 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-erp-cip-fy2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-erp-cip-fy2021/The adopted FY2020/21 budget included $100,000 in the General Fund capital program for capital project 411486, Financial/ERP Software, described as procurement and consulting services for a new financial/enterprise resource planning system including procurement, payroll and human resources cost management. The IT narrative said the year would include implementing new enterprise applications such as EnerGov.Thu, 01 Oct 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2020-rate-step/https://amarilloledger.com/events/wastewater-plants-and-rates/ww-2020-rate-step/Water and sewer bills rose 3% on October 1, 2020, described as the second-to-last year of a five-year rate plan. The increase funded about $28.5 million in capital projects, including a northeast interceptor, plant upgrades and repairs, and automated metering.Thu, 01 Oct 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's wastewater plants: failures, enforcement, expansion financing and rate increases (2022-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-groundbreaking/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-groundbreaking/Amarillo Parks and Recreation held a groundbreaking at Thompson Park. KFDA reported an $8 million project with expected completion in eight months and a planned Memorial Day 2021 opening.Mon, 28 Sep 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-loan-review-2020/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-loan-review-2020/At its August and September 2020 meetings the LGC board reviewed the notes it owed to the City and TIRZ #1. Staff said the retail space was not yet producing enough to repay them and that interest was accruing. A proposal to renegotiate the notes was tabled for further analysis.Wed, 16 Sep 2020 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fee-fy2021/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fee-fy2021/The FY2020/21 budget ordinance (No. 7883) amended Sec. 8-3-94 to raise the landfill use fee from $32.00 to $33.50 per ton. The council adopted it on second and final reading on September 15, 2020 by a 5:0 vote. The budget book said the added revenue would increase dumpster repair and maintenance and address regulatory costs at the landfill.Tue, 15 Sep 2020 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-hardware-contract/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-hardware-contract/The City Council approved a contract allowing the City to buy property near Grant and Johnson streets in the warehouse district. The Amarillo Hardware building was named as the primary candidate for City Hall. Reported estimates were about $12 million to relocate versus $17-39 million to renovate the existing City Hall.Tue, 08 Sep 2020 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2020-21-rate/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2020-21-rate/The rate went from $0.38851 to $0.39681 per $100; the debt-tax rate went from $0.04976 to $0.05921 as listed in the City's statutory notice. The budget raised $1,931,428 (3.89%) more in property tax than the prior year. Council adopted it 5-0.Tue, 01 Sep 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2020-filter-rehab/https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2020-filter-rehab/On the consent agenda approved 5-0, the council awarded Bid No. 6851 to Stolz Mechanical Contractors for $4,029,950 to replace filter underdrains and media with stainless-steel underdrains. The memo said two underdrain systems had failed, reducing the plant's ability to produce water at full capacity, and that the lower-profile underdrains gave the City its best opportunity to ask TCEQ for an increase in the plant's overall flow rating. A May 2021 change order for sidewalks ($71,015) brought the contract to $4,090,665.Tue, 11 Aug 2020 12:00:00 GMTOsage Water Treatment Plant: filter, basin and chlorine rehabilitation (2001-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-tdlr-2020/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-tdlr-2020/The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation registration for the City of Amarillo Thompson Park Aquatic Facility lists an estimated cost of $7,000,000, a start date of Oct. 1, 2020, a completion date of Nov. 29, 2021, and Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc. as design firm.Tue, 28 Jul 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-design-2020/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-design-2020/A City release described the replacement as the largest public aquatics site in the Amarillo area, with a lazy river for 220 people, cabanas and a main pool area for 400, and a tentative opening around Memorial Day 2021.Tue, 07 Jul 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-cares-ppe-grants/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-cares-ppe-grants/Small businesses could apply to the City for reimbursement of personal protective equipment purchases, up to $5,000 each, from the City's Coronavirus Relief Fund allocation under the CARES Act.Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-covid-contract-2020/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-covid-contract-2020/On the consent agenda, the City Council accepts a $249,478 award from DSHS, running from August 1, 2020 to April 30, 2022, "to sustain public health programming for response to COVID-19", and approves a laboratory agreement with Physicians Preferred Laboratory for COVID-19 PCR testing in Amarillo. The consent agenda passed 5:0.Tue, 23 Jun 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2020-pipebursting-change-order/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2020-pipebursting-change-order/The June 9, 2020 consent agenda included Change Order No. 3 ($18,620) to the FY2017-2018 Sewer Main Rehabilitation by Pipe Bursting contract with PM Construction & Rehab LLC dba IPR South Central, raising it from an original $1,886,030 to $2,103,134, for additional sewer main replacement near Oldham Circle and Southwest 32nd Avenue.Tue, 09 Jun 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-cares-2020/https://amarilloledger.com/events/arpa-funds/arpa-cares-2020/KFDA reported the City projected receiving about $11 million in federal CARES Act funding passed through the state, with 20 percent available immediately and the remainder paid on a reimbursement basis. The finance director listed COVID-19 testing, pandemic-assigned public safety and public health pay, and homeless assistance among planned uses.Thu, 14 May 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-co-2020/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-co-2020/The City issued $8,000,000 in Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2020, to build a new pool at Thompson Park, maturing through 2050. News reports described the council's May 2020 approval as $7.9 million. City budget books list the issue among three debt issuances behind the FY 2020-21 increase in the debt-service portion of the property tax rate.Tue, 12 May 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2020-pool-approval/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2020-pool-approval/In May 2020 the council approved certificates of obligation for a new Thompson Park pool. KFDA reported $7.9 million; City financial reports record Series 2020 COs of $8,000,000 for park and recreation facilities, maturing through 2050.Fri, 01 May 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2020-pool-notice/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2020-pool-notice/Texas Scorecard reported that the council voted to publish notice of intent to issue up to $8.15 million in COs for a new pool, and that residents started an online petition asking for a public vote, which it said City officials would not accept. State law requires an election if a petition signed by 5% of qualified voters is filed before the certificates are authorized.Thu, 16 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-crisis-response-2020/https://amarilloledger.com/events/covid-public-health-funding/cphf-crisis-response-2020/The City Council approves an interlocal cooperation contract with the Texas Department of State Health Services for the City's COVID-19 response, funded under the CDC's Public Health Crisis Response Cooperative Agreement. The agenda listed $304,813; City Manager Jared Miller told the council the amount had increased to $617,620. The Director of Public Health said the funds would offset costs such as the ASL interpreter and testing supplies. The motion passed 5:0.Tue, 14 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo Public Health's COVID-19 grant funding and spending (2020-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-co-notice/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-co-notice/Texas Scorecard reported that the council voted to publish notice of its intention to issue up to $8.15 million in certificates of obligation for the pool project, and that residents started an online petition seeking a public vote, which it said City officials would not accept.Wed, 01 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2020-backwash-tank/https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2020-backwash-tank/The council approved, 5-0, a $472,000 contract with NG Painting, LP to rehabilitate the plant's backwash water tank with a high-performance coating and modify it to meet current code.Tue, 24 Mar 2020 12:00:00 GMTOsage Water Treatment Plant: filter, basin and chlorine rehabilitation (2001-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-engineering-2020/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-engineering-2020/On its consent agenda, approved 5:0, the council awarded a landfill professional services and operational review agreement to Parkhill, Smith & Cooper and HDR for $383,855, covering groundwater monitoring, landfill gas reporting, airspace calculations, long-term landfill development planning and TCEQ reporting. Later annual landfill engineering contracts went to Parkhill, Inc. ($254,300 in November 2024; $274,800 in October 2025).Tue, 10 Mar 2020 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billpre-twdb-loan-2020/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billpre-twdb-loan-2020/The Texas Water Development Board was scheduled to vote on February 13, 2020 on lending the City $28.5 million at a rate below 0.5%, to be repaid over 20 years, to install automated water meters. ABC 7 Amarillo reported on February 13 that the board granted the City $29.5 million for the meter upgrades, affecting about 72,000 customers, with construction scheduled to begin in October 2020.Thu, 13 Feb 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2020-election-called/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2020-election-called/The council voted 5-0 to call a May 2, 2020 election on $275 million in general obligation bonds toward the $319 million project, with $21 million in certificates of obligation (not requiring voter approval) and a projected 15-cent property tax rate increase.Tue, 11 Feb 2020 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-construction-2020/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-construction-2020/Construction of the 185,000-square-foot school broke ground in early 2020, according to dvm360.Sat, 01 Feb 2020 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2020-committee-recommendation/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2020-committee-recommendation/At a council work session, a citizen executive committee recommended a $319 million project (exhibit space, a 10,100-seat arena, a new ballroom, Santa Fe Depot renovation and an expanded central plaza) to be funded by voter-approved debt.Tue, 21 Jan 2020 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-forum-2020/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-forum-2020/The City held a community forum at the Warford Activity Center on options for a new pool. KVII reported the council had awarded a $425,000 contract to help plan the new pool, a construction start targeted for late summer 2020 and an opening goal of Memorial Day 2021. Because a landfill lies under parts of Thompson Park, the City proposed relocating the facility within the park.Thu, 09 Jan 2020 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-30m-payable-2020/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-30m-payable-2020/The City's annual financial reports state that during 2020 the Texas Tech University System met the requirements for payment of the first stages of the AEDC's $69 million commitment, making $30 million of it payable. The same notes report the AEDC had paid $17 million of that amount by September 30, 2021, $22 million by September 30, 2022, $26 million by September 30, 2023 and $30 million by September 30, 2024.Wed, 01 Jan 2020 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2019-filter-design/https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2019-filter-design/The council approved, 5-0, a $784,000 engineering agreement with KSA Engineers to evaluate and design new filter underdrains and media profiles at the Osage Water Treatment Plant.Tue, 15 Oct 2019 12:00:00 GMTOsage Water Treatment Plant: filter, basin and chlorine rehabilitation (2001-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-ami-rate-fy2020/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-ami-rate-fy2020/The City's adopted FY2019/20 budget (October 1, 2019 - September 30, 2020) included a 7% water and sewer rate increase: 4% to support a $29.5 million bond issue for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project and 3% for operations and maintenance. The budget book says the City paused year four of its five-year Water & Sewer capital program to fund AMI and expected Texas Water Development Board financing, for which it applied in 2019. The budget was adopted 4-1. A 2022 news report quotes the Director of Utilities placing the AMI-related 4% increase in October 2021; the timing difference is recorded as variants.Tue, 01 Oct 2019 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fee-fy2020/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-fee-fy2020/The FY2019/20 budget ordinance (No. 7812) amended Municipal Code Sec. 8-3-94 to raise the landfill use fee from $30.00 to $32.00 per ton. The council adopted the budget on second and final reading on September 24, 2019 by a 4:1 vote. The budget book said the added solid waste revenue would fund two additional collection crews, equipment needs and customer service.Tue, 24 Sep 2019 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-fy2020-budget-ordinance-2019/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-fy2020-budget-ordinance-2019/The City Council passed Ordinance No. 7811, adopting the FY2019/20 budget, on first reading September 17, 2019 and on second and final reading September 24, 2019, each 4-1 with Councilmember Elaine Hays voting no. The ordinance amends water and sewer rates in Chapters 18-2, 18-3 and 18-4 of the Municipal Code. The minutes do not mention AMI or state a water or sewer rate percentage.Tue, 24 Sep 2019 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2019-20-rate/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2019-20-rate/The rate went from $0.36838 to $0.38851 per $100 ($0.34448 M&O, $0.04403 debt service). The City described the M&O increase as funding Fire and Animal Management positions tied to the 2016 public-safety proposition plus street maintenance, and the I&S increase as debt service on the voter-approved bonds. Council adopted the budget 4-1, Councilmember Elaine Hays against.Tue, 17 Sep 2019 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2019-319m-plan/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2019-319m-plan/The City presented a $319 million proposal including Civic Center renovations, a new arena, relocation of City Hall, a central park, Santa Fe Depot renovation and a parking structure, with public forums scheduled for September 2019 and a bond election anticipated for May 2020.Wed, 04 Sep 2019 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-fy2019-20-budget/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-fy2019-20-budget/The City's FY 2019-2020 budget book stated that the City anticipated a $6 million certificate of obligation issue during 2020 to build a new pool facility in Thompson Park.Sun, 01 Sep 2019 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-ami-rate-briefing-2019/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-ami-rate-briefing-2019/At a July 30, 2019 special council meeting on the 2019/20 budget, the Director of Utilities presented a proposed rate increase for funding the Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI), and the Assistant Director of Utilities presented a proposed water and sewer operating and maintenance rate increase. The minutes do not state the percentages and record no vote.Tue, 30 Jul 2019 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2019-roof-repair/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2019-roof-repair/The City announced replacement of the hail-damaged Civic Center roof and drainage system, a project of more than $6 million with about 95% covered by an insurance settlement and the rest by the City. The report noted a committee was assessing the complex's future, including a new facility with a larger arena.Mon, 22 Jul 2019 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-lawsuit-dismissed-2019/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-lawsuit-dismissed-2019/NewsChannel 10 reported on July 12, 2019 that Judge Ana Estevez granted a motion that ended a lawsuit filed in August 2018 against the City of Amarillo and the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation over the downtown ballpark. The ruling cited the plaintiff's lack of standing and said the stadium's April 2019 opening made the request to halt construction impossible to grant. The report gives no exact ruling date.Fri, 12 Jul 2019 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2019-ls32-reconstruction/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2019-ls32-reconstruction/The council voted 5-0 to award a contract to reconstruct Lift Station 32 and associated sewer lines in southeast Amarillo. NewsChannel 10 reported the station was built in 1964, handles about 3 million gallons a day, was at capacity, and that the project would bypass and eliminate Lift Station 33; TWDB funds most of the project, with a $150,000 City share.Tue, 25 Jun 2019 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-state-operating-funds-2019/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-state-operating-funds-2019/Governor Greg Abbott authorized a state budget that included $17.35 million in operational funding for the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo, according to the AEDC.Sat, 15 Jun 2019 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-sgbp-purchase-2019/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-land-and-incentive-deals/aedcland-sgbp-purchase-2019/On June 10, 2019 the AEDC board voted unanimously to buy about 190 acres of undeveloped land in Randall County with BNSF rail access next to Loop 335. The next day the City Council voted 4-0 to authorize the AEDC to execute the documents for the purchase of land at South Georgia Street and Loop 335 for $3,517,405 plus closing and inspection costs. AEDC President and CEO Kevin Carter presented the item.Tue, 11 Jun 2019 12:00:00 GMTAEDC land deals and incentive agreements approved by the City Council (2019-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-council-briefing-2019/https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-council-briefing-2019/Public Works Director Raymond Lee presents three options: continue the contract to its end (reported as September 2022), cancel before it ends, or cancel immediately with 90-day notice, estimating cancellation at about $500,000. No council vote is reported; staff say the program will continue unless the council directs otherwise.Tue, 11 Jun 2019 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's red-light camera program (2007-2022)https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-hb1631/https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-hb1631/Gov. Greg Abbott signs House Bill 1631, which bars new red-light cameras in Texas and lets existing programs run through their current contracts.Tue, 04 Jun 2019 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's red-light camera program (2007-2022)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-thompson-survey/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-thompson-survey/The City released an online and paper survey on visit frequency, pool style and admission preferences to inform decisions on a possible replacement. KFDA reported the City had no funding for a new pool at that time.Thu, 30 May 2019 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2019-filter-emergency/https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2019-filter-emergency/On April 16, 2019 the council approved, 5-0, a $396,125 change order to a Dowtech Specialty Contractors contract to replace Filter 7 and a $713,500 emergency contract with MH Civil Constructors to replace Filters 2 and 3, of the plant's eight rapid sand filters. Staff memos said the filters had failed, that the plant's permit allows one filter out of service at a time, and that the work was treated as an emergency ahead of May-September peak demand. On April 23 the council, with the mayor absent, approved on its consent agenda a $64,400 emergency KSA Engineers contract for construction management of the filter repairs.Tue, 16 Apr 2019 12:00:00 GMTOsage Water Treatment Plant: filter, basin and chlorine rehabilitation (2001-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-hodgetown-opens-2019/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-hodgetown-opens-2019/The ballpark opened as Hodgetown with the Sod Poodles' home opener, the first affiliated baseball in Amarillo since 1982. Official capacity was 6,631; the reported total cost was $45.5 million.Mon, 08 Apr 2019 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-lawsuit-recusal-2019/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-lawsuit-recusal-2019/In a resident's lawsuit against the city alleging improper dealings by city officials in the MPEV's development and construction, an administrative judge heard a motion to recuse 251st District Judge Ana Estevez and said he would rule within two days.Wed, 06 Mar 2019 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2019-ls40-design/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2019-ls40-design/The council voted 5-0 to award Kimley-Horn and Associates an engineering services agreement of $519,200 for the design of a new Lift Station 40, the station at 7100 Cliffside where later overflows were reported.Tue, 26 Feb 2019 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-install-2019/https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-install-2019/Under its Red Light Camera Improvement Project, the City announces seven new cameras at six intersections, scheduled for February 18, upgrades at five existing intersections and the removal of four cameras at three intersections, raising active cameras from nine to 12.Thu, 07 Feb 2019 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's red-light camera program (2007-2022)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-ami-twdb-application-2019/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-ami-twdb-application-2019/On January 15, 2019 the City Council passed Resolution No. 01-15-19-1, 5-0, authorizing a $29,500,000 loan application to the Texas Water Development Board for a city-wide AMI project replacing about 72,000 water meters. The agenda memo says the project would be funded by revenue bonds and that the City's 2019/20 water and sewer funding plan would include up to a 4.5% additional rate increase for debt service, upon loan approval, and for operating expense increases.Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-ami-consultant-briefing-2018/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-ami-consultant-briefing-2018/The December 18, 2018 council meeting included a presentation by consultants regarding automated/advanced metering infrastructure. The Amarillo Globe-News reported on December 27, 2018 that SL-serco had completed an automated metering case study, that the Finance Director put the overall cost at just under $30 million, and that the City would apply to the Texas Water Development Board for low-interest financing. The article does not mention a rate increase.Tue, 18 Dec 2018 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-thompson-closure/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-thompson-closure/The City announced that Thompson Park Pool would close permanently after inspections found deteriorating concrete and reinforcing steel, metal corrosion in the walls and floors that could create an electric shock hazard, and numerous leaks. Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba said the decision was based on public safety. KFDA reported a replacement estimate of $8 million to $10 million and no replacement funding in the 2018-2019 budget.Wed, 12 Dec 2018 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2018-pool-closure/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2018-pool-closure/The City closed the Thompson Park Pool, opened in 1931, in December 2018, citing public safety concerns and structural problems.Sat, 01 Dec 2018 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billpre-2018-consultant-study/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billpre-2018-consultant-study/ABC 7 Amarillo reported that the City's roughly 70,000 water meters were all read manually and that consultants were studying whether automated reading would benefit Amarillo. Finance Director Laura Storrs said fully staffed crews read each accessible meter every month, so there were no estimated readings unless a meter was inaccessible.Thu, 04 Oct 2018 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-no-problem-2018/https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-no-problem-2018/After Gov. Greg Abbott posts that it is time to do away with red-light cameras, City Manager Jared Miller says the City would not argue against the state. City officials say the cameras bring in about a quarter of a million dollars a year.Tue, 11 Sep 2018 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's red-light camera program (2007-2022)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2018-19-rate/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2018-19-rate/The total rate went from $0.36364 to $0.36838 per $100, with the debt-service part going from $0.03666 to $0.04140. The City issued the second 2016-election GO bond ($22,145,000) in July 2018.Sat, 01 Sep 2018 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-ami-serco-2018/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billing-ami-serco-2018/On July 24, 2018 the City Council approved, on its consent agenda, a contract of up to $110,000 with SL-serco Inc. for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) consulting to complete the City's advanced metering planning. The agenda memo says the City held internal staff workshops on a new meter-reading technology, issued Request for Qualifications 01-18 in January 2018, and had about 80,000 water meters read manually with handheld devices. The consent items passed 4-0 with one councilmember absent. The contract and minutes do not mention a rate increase.Tue, 24 Jul 2018 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2018-colonies-pid/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2018-colonies-pid/In conjunction with general obligation bonds issued July 18, 2018, the City issued $3,000,000 in Combination Tax and Revenue COs, Series 2018, to improve park facilities in the Colonies Public Improvement District. Debt service is paid from district special assessments.Wed, 18 Jul 2018 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-69m-amendment-2018/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-69m-amendment-2018/The City Council approved an amendment to the 2016 agreement between the Texas Tech University System and the AEDC, providing up to $69 million toward the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo, a project of about $90 million. The AEDC said the school could create 95 direct jobs and more than 270 indirect jobs.Tue, 08 May 2018 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-council-approves-locations-2018/https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-council-approves-locations-2018/The Amarillo City Council approves seven new camera locations and the removal of cameras at three intersections, for a reported total of 12 red-light camera intersections.Tue, 03 Apr 2018 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's red-light camera program (2007-2022)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-election-argument-2018/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-election-argument-2018/The Amarillo Pioneer argued that because the AEDC is a Type A corporation, use of its funds in the land exchange for a stadium required an election that was not held. A May 2018 Texas Scorecard commentary by the Pioneer's editor repeated the argument.Wed, 21 Mar 2018 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-groundbreaking-2018/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-groundbreaking-2018/Officials and Elmore Sports Group broke ground on the $45.5 million ballpark, targeting an April 2019 opening.Thu, 01 Feb 2018 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-construction-contract-2018/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-construction-contract-2018/After concerns about agreeing on a construction price, the council had allowed the city manager to consider other procurement methods; the resulting agreement with Western-Hunt set $40 million for construction and $5.5 million in soft costs.Fri, 12 Jan 2018 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-construction-award-2017/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-construction-award-2017/The LGC and City Council signed off on Western-Hunt, a joint venture of Western Builders and Hunt Construction Group, as builder, with construction not to exceed $40 million plus $5.54 million for streetscape and other work. Ballpark Digest later described this as a construction-manager-at-risk contract.Mon, 02 Oct 2017 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-elmore-lease-2017/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-elmore-lease-2017/Elmore Sports Group and the city came to terms on a lease running April 1, 2019 through December 31, 2048, with $400,000 per year: $225,000 to a capital maintenance fund and $175,000 toward facility debt. The team may request a renovation in 2035 and may leave in 2038 if it is denied.Tue, 26 Sep 2017 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-hotel-garage-open-2017/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-hotel-garage-open-2017/NewcrestImage announced the opening of the 226-room Embassy Suites; a 750-space parking garage adjoins its south side. The project was described as a public/private partnership with the City Council, the LGC and the TIRZ.Thu, 14 Sep 2017 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2017-18-rate/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-fy2017-18-rate/The total rate went from $0.35072 (FY2016/17) to $0.36364 per $100. The City issued the first of the 2016-election general obligation bonds ($21,280,000) in April 2017; its budget documents tie the FY2017/18 increase to that issue.Fri, 01 Sep 2017 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2017-ls32-twdb-application/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2017-ls32-twdb-application/The council voted 5-0 (Resolution No. 08-22-17) to apply to the Texas Water Development Board's Clean Water State Revolving Fund for an additional $12,500,000 to replace Lift Station 32 on Osage Street. A June 2018 City memo says TWDB approved the $12,500,000 loan commitment on March 6, 2018.Tue, 22 Aug 2017 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2017-pipebursting-award/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2017-pipebursting-award/The council voted 5-0 to approve a construction contract with Vaught Services, Inc. ($1,898,269 per the agenda) to replace select sanitary sewer lines by pipe bursting at locations identified by the Wastewater Collection Department.Tue, 22 Aug 2017 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-council-renews-2017/https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-council-renews-2017/KFDA NewsChannel 10 reported that the Amarillo City Council voted unanimously to renew the City's red-light camera contract with American Traffic Solutions, keeping the cameras for at least five more years, and to add cameras at intersections such as South Coulter Street at Southwest 45th Avenue. The company operated nine cameras at eight intersections at the time.Tue, 15 Aug 2017 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's red-light camera program (2007-2022)https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-board-recommends-renewal/https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-board-recommends-renewal/The Traffic Advisory Board votes unanimously to recommend that the City Council renew the red-light camera contract for five more years, conditioned on the newest camera technology, monthly maintenance reports from the operator and police consultation on camera locations; if the operator declines, it recommends choosing a new operator. Future locations are to be chosen using traffic data.Wed, 26 Jul 2017 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's red-light camera program (2007-2022)https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-staff-recommends-renewal/https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-staff-recommends-renewal/At a Traffic Advisory Board meeting, city staff recommend renewing the red-light camera contract, which ends in August, as is. The city's presentation reports ticket collection rates that averaged about 70 percent and fell to 50 percent the prior year.Thu, 20 Jul 2017 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's red-light camera program (2007-2022)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-garage-complete-2017/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-garage-complete-2017/The LGC completed the 750-space parking garage next to the convention hotel. The LGC owns the garage on land leased from the City for 80 years and keeps parking revenue; ownership passes to the City when the ground lease ends. The hotel developer has 150 reserved spaces under a $120,000-a-year parking rent.Sat, 01 Jul 2017 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-gccs-award-2017/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-gccs-award-2017/The council voted 5:0 to award Bid No. 5761, the landfill gas collection and control system Phase I, to Landmarc Environmental Systems, LLC for $3,993,577. Change Order No. 4, on the January 2018 consent agenda, listed a revised contract total of $4,123,323.21, including system startup services.Tue, 27 Jun 2017 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-elmore-loi-2017/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-elmore-loi-2017/The LGC signed a letter of intent with a company owned by Elmore Sports Group for the relocating San Antonio Missions (Class AA). Proposed terms included $400,000 annual rent through 2048; the budget was reported at $45.5 million funded by a city hotel tax.Mon, 26 Jun 2017 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-state-legislation-2017/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-state-legislation-2017/The Office of the Texas Governor later stated that Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation in 2017 to fund the creation of the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine. The releases do not give the date or amount.Thu, 01 Jun 2017 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-abc7-investigation/https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-abc7-investigation/KVII ABC 7 reports TxDOT ticket counts that rose or fell sharply at some intersections and two-hour observations in which some cameras flashed with no cars present and others did not flash when drivers ran the light. The report cites an operating cost of $456,000 a year and about $200,000 a year in city revenue.Mon, 22 May 2017 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's red-light camera program (2007-2022)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-city-lgc-loan-2017/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-city-lgc-loan-2017/The City Council voted 4:1 to approve a loan agreement under which the City would lend the Amarillo Local Government Corporation up to $1,000,000 to finish out and begin operating the retail portion of the downtown parking garage, with interest at the 10-year Treasury yield plus 2% and principal due by June 1, 2032, payable from retail rents. The 2016/17 budget included the money. Councilmember Randy Burkett voted no.Tue, 18 Apr 2017 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-inn-of-amarillo-2017/https://amarilloledger.com/events/dangerous-structure-demolitions/dsd-inn-of-amarillo-2017/KFDA reported on March 22, 2017 that the lowest bid to demolish the Inn of Amarillo, a former Route 66 motel at 601 W. Amarillo Blvd. condemned in 2010, was $777,000, almost $600,000 of it for asbestos removal. The owner did not have the money to tear the building down, and the city manager suggested paying for it by issuing certificates of obligation or borrowing from the general fund. A council vote was expected the following week. An example of a City-paid demolition of a condemned property before the current program.Tue, 21 Mar 2017 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's dangerous-structure demolitions and the in-house demolition program (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2017-ls12-emergency-main/https://amarilloledger.com/events/sewer-collection-spills/sewer-2017-ls12-emergency-main/On consent, the council approved, 5-0, an emergency replacement of the sewer main at 35th Avenue and Taylor Street that discharges into Lift Station 12, awarded to Amarillo Utility Contractors for $355,000. The staff memo said the line had stoppages, crews had removed mud and pieces of concrete pipe from the lift station, and a collapse of the main was possible.Tue, 28 Feb 2017 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's sewer collection system: reported overflows and main and lift station work (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2017-radio/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-2017-radio/Alongside general obligation refunding bonds issued February 22, 2017, the City issued $6,940,000 in Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2017, to acquire a two-way radio communications system for the public safety department. The certificates mature through February 15, 2037.Wed, 22 Feb 2017 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-council-update-2017/https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-council-update-2017/The January 24, 2017 work session agenda listed an "Update on 311 and Open Technology." ABC 7 Amarillo reported that the City was waiting for Public Utility Commission approval, which could delay the system two or three months, and that officials said the website and phone system would be paid for with savings from past infrastructure projects. NewsChannel 10 reported on February 2, 2017 that the system was about a month and a half away.Tue, 24 Jan 2017 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo 311: from a proposed non-emergency line (2016) to the Utility Billing contact center (2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/miller-hired/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/miller-hired/Council selects Jared Miller, then city manager of San Marcos, as Amarillo's city manager, to begin serving Feb. 20, 2017. He succeeds interim City Manager Bob Cowell.Thu, 12 Jan 2017 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-tyler-saas-2017/https://amarilloledger.com/events/it-systems-transition/it-tyler-saas-2017/Tyler Technologies announced that it had signed a software-as-a-service agreement with the City of Amarillo for its EnerGov (permitting and inspections, citizen portal) and Munis products. The release said the City had used a combination of in-house and vendor-provided software for licensing, permitting and utility billing, and chose hosted SaaS over on-site hosting. The release gave no dollar amount. The date is the announcement date; the council action that approved the agreement was not located.Tue, 03 Jan 2017 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's enterprise software transition: Tyler Munis and EnerGov to Workday and MGO (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2016-regional-plans/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2016-regional-plans/The TWDB summaries of the 2016 Panhandle (A) and Llano Estacado (O) regional water plans list "Expand Capacity CRMWA II" among each region's ten recommended strategies with the largest supply volume, at 24,000 acre-feet per year in 2070. Regional plans become the basis of the State Water Plan.Thu, 01 Dec 2016 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/cmpre-cowell-interim/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/cmpre-cowell-interim/Bob Cowell, the deputy city manager, was appointed interim city manager after Childers left. He served until Jared Miller was selected in January 2017, and he was a finalist for the permanent job.Tue, 22 Nov 2016 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/cmpre-childers-resigns/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/cmpre-childers-resigns/Childers resigned on November 16, 2016, the day after a council meeting, using a 30-day termination option in his contract. He said he had already planned to leave effective January 1, 2017. Mayor Paul Harpole said Deputy City Manager Bob Cowell would serve until a permanent manager was found.Wed, 16 Nov 2016 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2016-bond-election/https://amarilloledger.com/events/civic-center-financing/cc-2016-bond-election/Amarillo voters approved two of seven City capital-improvement bond propositions: street improvements ($89.5 million) and public safety ($20.1 million). Five propositions totaling $230 million failed, including one for the Amarillo Civic Center. Texas Scorecard reported the Civic Center proposition at $83.4 million.Tue, 08 Nov 2016 12:00:00 GMTFinancing the Amarillo Civic Center expansion and renovation (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-2016-bond-defeat/https://amarilloledger.com/events/new-city-hall/ch-2016-bond-defeat/In the November 2016 bond election, Amarillo voters approved street and public-safety propositions and rejected five others totaling about $230 million, including a municipal facilities proposition. ABC7 later reported that a 2016 bond proposal for City Hall failed and that the City first identified City Hall as a priority in 2010.Tue, 08 Nov 2016 12:00:00 GMTMoving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-2016-bond-election/https://amarilloledger.com/events/property-tax-rate-and-voter-debt/tax-2016-bond-election/In a seven-proposition, roughly $340 million bond election, Amarillo voters approved the streets ($89.5M) and public safety ($20.1M) propositions and rejected five others totaling $230M (municipal facilities, neighborhood parks, Civic Center, fleet, athletics). The City said the approved bonds would be paid through tax-supported debt.Tue, 08 Nov 2016 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's property tax rate and voter-approved debt (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billpre-2016-council-discussion/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billpre-2016-council-discussion/At a council meeting, Interim City Manager Terry Childers said the Hillside Terrace bills were based on read meters, not estimates. He said staff tested more than 15 meters and that neighborhood water use rose 33%, which he attributed to hot temperatures. Councilmember Randy Burkett questioned that explanation.Tue, 27 Sep 2016 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-aedc-grant-2016/https://amarilloledger.com/events/aedc-vet-school/vet-aedc-grant-2016/The Amarillo City Council unanimously endorsed a $15 million grant from the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, funded by the half-cent sales tax, to the Texas Tech University System for a proposed veterinary school, payable at $1.5 million a year for 10 years. Conditions included starting construction by September 1, 2018, starting operations by September 1, 2022, and at least $50 million in payroll and benefits from September 2022 to September 2027.Tue, 20 Sep 2016 12:00:00 GMTAEDC incentive commitment to the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billpre-2016-high-bills/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billpre-2016-high-bills/Customers in the Hillside Terrace neighborhood reported bills of $300 to $700, or bills that quadrupled from the prior month. The City said fewer than 1% of the 10,000 accounts in the district that includes Hillside Terrace were estimated in July and August. Finance Director Laura Storrs said all accessible meters were being read and explained the ACT (actual) and EST (estimated) codes printed on bills.Thu, 08 Sep 2016 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-gas-tceq-2016/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-gas-tceq-2016/Waste Dive, summarizing a July 2016 Amarillo Globe-News report, said TCEQ found the City landfill exceeded its permitted threshold for non-methane organic compounds and required a new gas control system, estimated at about $5.5 million to install and about $200,000 a year to maintain. The landfill improvement fund held about $5.4 million.Mon, 01 Aug 2016 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-council-tech-2016/https://amarilloledger.com/events/amarillo-311/311-council-tech-2016/ABC 7 Amarillo reported that city officials approved new technology on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 toward a 311 system proposed by Councilmember Mark Nair to reduce non-emergency calls to 911. IT Director Richard Gagnon described a 311 call center separate from 911 and a 311 mobile app for reporting potholes, streetlights, graffiti and illegal dumping. The City planned to roll out a preliminary version in October 2016.Tue, 28 Jun 2016 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo 311: from a proposed non-emergency line (2016) to the Utility Billing contact center (2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-hot-bonds-2016/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-hot-bonds-2016/The City issued Hotel Occupancy Tax Revenue Bonds, Taxable Series 2016, of $11,995,000 to construct and equip the downtown parking garage, with debt service paid from hotel occupancy tax and final maturity on August 15, 2043.Wed, 13 Apr 2016 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-cost-revisions-2016/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-cost-revisions-2016/A consultant presentation put the cost of a ballpark built to Class AA specifications at up to $48.4 million, including a $3.8 million contingency. In April 2016 a $44 million estimate was reported, with about $36 million expected from hotel occupancy taxes under a staff proposal to the LGC.Tue, 22 Mar 2016 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-over-capacity-2016/https://amarilloledger.com/events/animal-shelter-operations/aso-over-capacity-2016/ABC 7 Amarillo reported that city officials announced the shelter at 3501 S. Osage was over capacity, putting animals at risk of euthanasia, and that Animal Management & Welfare was waiving reclaim fees through March 21, 2016. The report said the shelter faced the same problem in February 2016. No capacity or intake numbers were given.Fri, 18 Mar 2016 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo animal shelter operations, evaluation and cost recovery (2024-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-garage-approved-2016/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-garage-approved-2016/The LGC approved construction of the parking garage at $15.65 million, funded by bond proceeds, Civic Center Improvement Fund reserves, the General Construction Fund, TIRZ #1 and additional funding from Center City.Wed, 17 Feb 2016 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-city-tirz-loan-2016/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-city-tirz-loan-2016/The City Council amended the loan agreement between the City and TIRZ #1 to authorize a loan of $1.85 million. City financial reports say the City lent TIRZ #1 $1.5 million during fiscal 2017 to help it fund $3.45 million for the garage retail space and about $930,000 of streetscape improvements.Tue, 02 Feb 2016 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-tirz-loan-decision-2016/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-tirz-loan-decision-2016/The TIRZ #1 board, which had approved about $2.7 million for streetscape work around the convention hotel, parking structure and multipurpose event venue, voted to increase its participation to $4.387 million. The added $1.687 million took the form of a loan to the LGC; the board agreed to fund the retail portion of the parking garage and part of the streetscape and amended the project and financing plan.Thu, 14 Jan 2016 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/cmpre-childers-interim/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/cmpre-childers-interim/The council voted unanimously to appoint Terry Childers, a former Oklahoma City city manager, as interim city manager. ABC 7 Amarillo reported that the same day was Atkinson's last day.Tue, 17 Nov 2015 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-referendum-2015/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-referendum-2015/Voters were asked whether the downtown MPEV should include a baseball stadium at an approximate cost of $32 million. The measure passed 11,632 (52%) to 10,812 (48%). The referendum was non-binding; the council retained the decision.Tue, 03 Nov 2015 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/cmpre-atkinson-accepted/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/cmpre-atkinson-accepted/The council voted 3-2 to accept Atkinson's resignation. Council members Elisha Demerson, Randy Burkett and Mark Nair voted in favor; Mayor Paul Harpole and Council Member Brian Eades voted against. The council unanimously approved paying Atkinson for 90 days after his last day.Tue, 20 Oct 2015 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-hotel-groundbreaking-2015/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-hotel-groundbreaking-2015/NewcrestImage broke ground on a 226-room, six-story Embassy Suites across from the Amarillo Civic Center. Public partners were the City of Amarillo, the LGC and the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone; private partners included Panhandle Development and SouthWest Bank as primary lender. The city was to build a 750-space garage adjacent.Fri, 16 Oct 2015 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/cmpre-atkinson-letter/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/cmpre-atkinson-letter/On the evening of October 12, 2015, Atkinson emailed a resignation letter to Mayor Paul Harpole, the council and the Human Resources Director. The letter gave no reason and no effective date. Atkinson had joined the City in 2004 and became City Manager in November 2010.Mon, 12 Oct 2015 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/cmpre-atkinson-asked-resign/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-manager-turnover/cmpre-atkinson-asked-resign/After the 2015 city election, newly elected council members, including Mark Nair, asked City Manager Jarrett Atkinson to resign. Reports place the request in June or July 2015. Nair later withdrew the request, and Atkinson kept his job at that time.Tue, 30 Jun 2015 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo city manager turnover (2015-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billpre-2015-estimated-reads/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billpre-2015-estimated-reads/In 2016, ABC 7 Amarillo reported that in 2015 a shortage of meter readers had led to complaints about estimated water bills. In October 2015 the same outlet reported that newly elected council members' late-June 2015 call for City Manager Jarrett Atkinson to resign came after concerns over water meter reading and the downtown catalyst project.Tue, 30 Jun 2015 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-xcel-agreement-2015/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-xcel-agreement-2015/A TIRZ #1 developer agreement with SPS Amarillo TX Landlord, LLC, approved for TIRZ participation by the council on March 17, 2015, provides annual reimbursement of 90% of the property tax increment from the project until the zone expires, in exchange for at least $41.8 million in private investment in a 114,000-square-foot building and a 590-stall parking structure leased to Southwestern Public Service.Tue, 17 Mar 2015 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-wb-terminated-2015/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-wb-terminated-2015/After city leaders learned the firm had vacated its offices and its managing partners had resigned, the LGC board voted unanimously to terminate the master development agreement, the parking garage lease and development agreement, and two architectural services agreements. City staff took over the construction manager role for the garage. The hotel project with NewcrestImage was described as unaffected.Tue, 27 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2015-main-pipeline-leaks/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2015-main-pipeline-leaks/CRMWA reports that in 2015, after almost 50 years of service, its main pipeline (72-inch to 96-inch) had two leaks within 30 days, and that a 2016 internal electromagnetic survey of 55 miles of pipe identified segments to reinforce or replace. CRMWA later cited deterioration of the original pressure section between Lake Meredith and Amarillo as one reason CRMWA II remains needed.Thu, 01 Jan 2015 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-coke-exchange-2014/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-coke-exchange-2014/Documents finalizing a property exchange between Coca-Cola and the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation were reported signed; Coca-Cola received incentives and partial property tax abatements it sought, and the city obtained the property for the planned stadium south of City Hall.Tue, 01 Jul 2014 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2014-lake-recovery/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2014-lake-recovery/CRMWA states that Lake Meredith began to recover in 2014, with water levels generally rising through 2020, and that with rising levels and improving water quality the immediate need to bring CRMWA II online subsided.Wed, 01 Jan 2014 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-package-2013/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-package-2013/High Plains Public Radio reported three components: a $69.3 million convention center hotel, a $30.3 million multipurpose event venue and a $13.4 million parking garage, about $113 million in total. Wallace Bajjali was to show proof of financing and permits for the hotel and garage by November 1, 2013 and begin construction by December 31, 2013.Tue, 23 Jul 2013 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-2013-expansion/https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-2013-expansion/The Amarillo City Commission votes 4-1 to approve a contract adding three red-light cameras and moving one, on the recommendation of American Traffic Solutions and the Amarillo Citizens Advisory Committee.Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's red-light camera program (2007-2022)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2013-route-study/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2013-route-study/CRMWA states that in 2013 it used unspent bond funds to hire an engineering firm for a route study and then to acquire easements for building CRMWA II. The sources reviewed do not name the firm, the bond issue or the amount spent.Tue, 01 Jan 2013 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-pst-order-2012/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-pst-order-2012/TCEQ approved Agreed Order Docket No. 2012-1264-PST-E with the City of Amarillo covering underground fuel storage tanks at the City's vehicle repair and refinish service center (seven tanks) and the landfill (one tank). The order alleged the City did not conduct annual piping tightness and line leak detector tests, assessed a $6,875 administrative penalty ($5,500 paid, $1,375 deferred), and required release detection at the service center. The City generally denied the allegations.Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2012-2021-bonds/https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2012-2021-bonds/City debt records list drainage-fund debt issued before 2023: Series 2012A certificates of obligation ($6,260,000), Drainage Revenue Series 2014 ($6,080,000), Series 2020 ($9,240,000) and Series 2021 ($9,160,000), each for acquiring, improving and constructing municipal drainage facilities and serviced by drainage fund revenue.Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2012-drainage-fee/https://amarilloledger.com/events/stormwater-drainage-projects/drn-2012-drainage-fee/A drainage fee approved by city leaders took effect with October 2012 water bills, at $1.71, $2.51 or $3.79 a month for most homes and $39.15 for commercial properties, to fund storm drainage including playa lakes and underground drainage. The City's FY2025 financial report describes FY2025 as the drainage utility fund's thirteenth year of operation.Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's drainage utility, drainage revenue bonds and stormwater projects (2012-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-2012-renewal-talk/https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-2012-renewal-talk/A local radio-station blog reports that the red-light camera contract is soon to expire, that commissioners are interested in renewing and expanding it, and that each commissioner is to appoint a member to a new resident advisory committee on traffic safety.Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's red-light camera program (2007-2022)https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billpre-2012-manual-meters/https://amarilloledger.com/events/billing-system-transition/billpre-2012-manual-meters/ABC 7 Amarillo reported that the City had roughly 67,000 water meters, of which about 4,500 were automatic readers and about 62,000 were read manually. The Director of Utilities said replacing every meter with an automatic system was not feasible at the time and that the cost would be in the millions of dollars.Wed, 25 Jul 2012 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's utility billing transition and the 2026 billing crisishttps://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2012-concept/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2012-concept/In 2012 and 2013 drought left Lake Meredith supplying none of CRMWA's deliveries; all water delivered came from groundwater. CRMWA states that in 2012 it began discussing the concept of CRMWA II, a second pipeline to carry Roberts County groundwater, with its Board of Directors and member cities.Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-lgc-formed-2011/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-lgc-formed-2011/The LGC was organized in March 2011 as a public nonprofit corporation under Subchapter D of Chapter 431 of the Texas Transportation Code to act on the City's behalf in downtown development. Its seven directors are appointed by the City Council, which approves its budget and projects; the City is its fiscal agent and keeps its accounting records.Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-wb-master-developer-2011/https://amarilloledger.com/events/downtown-catalyst-ballpark/dt-wb-master-developer-2011/By 2011 the Amarillo Local Government Corporation was working with Wallace Bajjali Development Partners on downtown revitalization. In April 2011 Wallace Bajjali, as developer of a planned downtown multiuse ballpark/venue, released a request for qualifications seeking operators of a professional baseball franchise. Later reports describe a 2011 contract and city approval of the partnership.Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:00:00 GMTDowntown catalyst projects: convention hotel, parking garage and the MPEV ballpark (2011-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-permit-mod-2010/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-permit-mod-2010/The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a modification to Municipal Solid Waste Permit No. 73A to keep the landfill in compliance with revised state rules (30 TAC Chapter 330, Subchapter J) on the groundwater sampling and analysis plan and the spacing of monitor wells along the point of compliance. The modification replaced or revised attachments on groundwater characterization, closure and post-closure cost estimates, the final closure plan and the post-closure care plan.Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2010-wellfield-expansion/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2010-wellfield-expansion/During the drought that began in 2001, CRMWA doubled the well production capacity of the John C. Williams Wellfield so that the groundwater aqueduct ran at its full capacity of 65 million gallons per day. CRMWA describes that aqueduct capacity as the limit on how much groundwater it can deliver. Sources give 2010 or 2011 for the expansion.Fri, 01 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-plan-2007/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-plan-2007/The plan, dated July 2007, set four goals (convention hotel, urban residential, office/commercial/retail and ballpark/family entertainment venues). The City, Potter County, Amarillo College and the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District were to contribute 100% of their new incremental property tax; the school district was not to participate and the City was not to contribute sales tax. The plan projected about $102.4 million in gross increment over 30 years ($34.95 million net present value at 6%).Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-permit-2007/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-landfill/lf-permit-2007/City financial reports state that, under an amended permit issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality dated August 22, 2007, the City's 662-acre landfill site has an estimated total capacity of 43,098,100 tons or 89,787,477 cubic yards. City budget documents record $8.0 million budgeted in 2006/2007 to begin opening a new cell and improve the transfer station, and $2.5 million in 2007/2008 for the new cell's liner. TCEQ's commission database records the amendment as signed August 22, 2007 and mailed September 7, 2007.Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMTCity of Amarillo landfill: permit, cell construction, gas system, fees and the May 2026 fire (2007-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-program-begins/https://amarilloledger.com/events/red-light-cameras/rlc-program-begins/The City of Amarillo begins a red-light camera program operated by American Traffic Solutions. Later accounts give the start as 2007 (Public Works Director, 2019), 2008 (a 2017 Public Works study, as reported in 2019) or 2009 (a 30-day grace period, per a city transportation official in 2018). The contract was later described as a 15-year contract.Mon, 01 Jan 2007 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's red-light camera program (2007-2022)https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-tirz-created-2006/https://amarilloledger.com/events/tirz-1-and-lgc-finance/tlf-tirz-created-2006/Ordinance No. 7012, passed on first reading December 12, 2006 and on second and final reading December 19, 2006, designated Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number One under Chapter 311 of the Tax Code. It set the zone to end on the earlier of December 31, 2036, an earlier date set by ordinance, or full payment of project costs and tax increment bonds; set the tax increment base at $133,250,377 as of January 1, 2006; created a nine-member board; and dedicated 100% of the City's tax increment to the zone's fund. The board may not issue bonds, levy taxes or use eminent domain.Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:00:00 GMTDowntown TIRZ #1 and Local Government Corporation financing (2006-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-pre2017/https://amarilloledger.com/events/certificates-of-obligation/co-pre2017/The City's FY2025 financial report lists earlier CO series: Series 2003, 2006, 2008A, 2008B, 2011A and 2011B (parts later refunded by 2020 refunding bonds), water and sewer COs Series 2009, 2009B and 2009C, drainage COs Series 2012A ($6.26M) and Series 2014 COs ($2.26M) for park enhancements in the Greenways and Colonies public improvement districts.Wed, 01 Jan 2003 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2001-wellfield-online/https://amarilloledger.com/events/crmwa-ii/crmwa2-2001-wellfield-online/Until 2001 all water CRMWA delivered to its member cities came from Lake Meredith. The John C. Williams Wellfield and Aqueduct, which carries groundwater from Roberts County, was placed in operation in December 2001, introducing groundwater into the original system at Borger (for Borger and Pampa) and between Sanford Dam and Amarillo (for the other member cities).Sat, 01 Dec 2001 12:00:00 GMTCRMWA II: the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority's proposed second groundwater pipeline (2012-2038)https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2001-expansion/https://amarilloledger.com/events/osage-water-treatment-plant/owtp-2001-expansion/A July 2001 trade-press report said about $20 million in improvements at the Osage plant would raise its treatment from 40 million to 70 million gallons per day, with the benefit expected the following summer. The City's current water production page lists the treatment plant's capacity as 70 million gallons per day.Mon, 30 Jul 2001 12:00:00 GMTOsage Water Treatment Plant: filter, basin and chlorine rehabilitation (2001-2026)https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-thompson-1931/https://amarilloledger.com/events/city-pools/pool-thompson-1931/Thompson Park Pool opened in 1931 and became Amarillo's oldest public pool. KFDA reported it was built for $16,000 and had at least three renovations since 1954, including projects in 1986 and 2003 ($434,949).Thu, 01 Jan 1931 12:00:00 GMTAmarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)