The Port Arthur City Council convened on July 29, 2025, to address several community concerns and proposals during their regular meeting. The agenda included discussions on water billing policies, community support for local youth sports, and upcoming public hearings.
The meeting began with a discussion regarding water billing adjustments. Council members reviewed an ordinance related to sewage and water charges, with a focus on ensuring fair treatment for residents. Council Member Lewis raised concerns about the need for further examination of the policy, suggesting that the council should revisit the issue in a future meeting. The city manager confirmed that adjustments to commercial accounts would require council approval, indicating a collaborative approach to resolving billing discrepancies.
Following this, Bradford Coleman Jr., representing the Junior B's organization, addressed the council to seek support for purchasing new football helmets and funding for a dance team traveling to national competitions. Coleman highlighted the organization's long-standing impact on the community, noting that many former players have gone on to serve as police officers and firefighters. He requested approximately $14,000 to acquire 80 helmets, emphasizing the importance of community backing for youth sports. Council members expressed their willingness to assist and encouraged Coleman to apply for future Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, despite missing the current year's deadline.
The meeting also included a brief mention of upcoming public hearings, which were scheduled to begin shortly after the discussions. The council acknowledged the importance of community engagement and the need for timely public input on various issues.
In conclusion, the Port Arthur City Council meeting underscored the ongoing commitment to addressing community needs, particularly in supporting local youth programs and ensuring fair municipal policies. The council plans to revisit the water billing ordinance and explore avenues for funding youth sports initiatives in future sessions.