[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6487898,"mediaKeyId","5506654-920ee729af74131de0e7f5c56064798a","parentId",5506654,"title","Port Arthur council passes $18 million certificates of obligation, approves zoning and other measures","audioSeconds",6654,"startMs",2896000,"endMs",9550000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5506654-920ee729af74131de0e7f5c56064798a&start=2896&end=9550","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5506654-920ee729af74131de0e7f5c56064798a/thumbnail_2896000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6487898/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Port-Arthur-council-passes-18-million-certificates-of-obligation-approves-zoning-and-other-measures","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487898-83099701597f9e0f34c04330c1e6482c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770839111&Signature=iZVk2jiRTg2JjaCf5W43gAaGVdS9JKWjKJMDo21CcxPo0n3RxqRrVDQcoEvcXJCOmUyrH7sp7ro00FSTdoD7jnFdyximmRq8ZWMWvUN-PPHMV1CoOK85qzG7Ue1sjQIXwzqVop3XjJ7LFPSF~DkPtb3PVJ0ZhiPLeJ4LL0Cg-pEfC3-8z~htpawzT62fJR0E3V2mHFBuGf7QzOAWp5dIQtGkKUaVgHtdcXAJaUZ2Eq0b-T1K5lomPuM9hE5PG9ov9JME6hc6AV5kPl8m4h95rvXRo2QYtLFYOKQBM0fmuvwe6D-5XtVDzTO~MZTYsxRTgfO49l5PdEtlaUKl39RPEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Port Arthur","date","2025-07-29T00:00:00Z","article","The Port Arthur City Council on July 29 approved a package of ordinances and resolutions covering debt issuance, zoning changes, public works contracts and other municipal business.

The council awarded a bid for combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation not to exceed $18 million and authorized related sale documents. The council also adopted zoning changes that will allow automobile-related uses in light- and heavy-industrial districts, approved a specific-use permit to operate a pre-owned auto sales lot at 1801 Woodworth Boulevard and rezoned 2.892 acres at 8520 Wilson Avenue to a planned development district to allow a multipurpose event center.

Other approvals included budget adjustments tied to capital projects, procurement contracts for road-building materials and security services, authorization to apply for HUD grant programs (CDBG and HOME), ratification of emergency repairs at the wastewater plant and the release of retainage for the Pleasure Island marina rehabilitation project. Council voted to reaffirm the city’s legislative agenda for the Texas special session and to place a sales-tax proposition for Economic Development Corporation powers on the November ballot.

Several items were discussed at greater length before votes. The council voted to schedule a workshop on emergency medical and ambulance services after hearing members’ concerns. Interim fire department leadership presented a 30-/90-day plan for station repairs and remediation work; the council asked staff to circulate the written plan to members.

Votes at a glance (selected items)
- Certificates of obligation (PO 7350): Approved (voice). Item authorizes issuance/sale of combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation, series 2025, not to exceed $18,000,000.
- Emergency removal at wastewater plant (PR 24447): Ratified (voice). $30,000 emergency removal of clogging at primary clarifier A.
- Rezoning to Planned Development (PO 7349): Approved (voice). Rezone 8520 Wilson Avenue (approx. 2.892 acres) from medium-density residential to Planned Development District 45 for a multipurpose event center; Planning & Zoning recommended approval.
- Zoning text amendment (PO 7335): Approved (voice). Amend Appendix A to include specified automobile-related uses in light- and heavy-industrial districts.
- Specific Use Permit — 1801 Woodworth Blvd (PO 7348): Approved (voice). SUP to allow pre-owned automobile sales and repair at the site.
- Budget amendment (PO 7351): Approved (voice). Transfers related to capital project funding.
- EDC ballot proposition (PO 7354): Approved (voice). Authorize placing a proposition on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot to permit the Port Arthur EDC to use sales-tax proceeds for a list of project categories (recreation/community facilities, affordable housing, water supply/conservation, business attraction/retention, sports venue infrastructure and related maintenance where allowed).
- HUD consolidated plan submission (PR 24439): Approved (voice). Authorize applications for CDBG ($1,000,006.77) and HOME ($321,504.70) and execution of the 2025 consolidated plan.
- Pleasure Island marina retainage (PR 24425): Approved (voice). Release of retainage contingent on closeout documents; council discussion noted subsequent storm damage and possible separate repair need.

What passed as voice votes generally recorded \"ayes have it.\" A few items were taken with roll-call or named votes as shown in the official minutes. Where the record shows only a voice vote, the council indicated approval by majority voice.

Why it matters: The certificates of obligation will provide immediate capital funding for a list of city projects; zoning changes and the SUP will alter permitted uses in industrial and commercial zones; the EDC ballot question asks voters to allow the economic development corporation to spend sales tax proceeds on a broader set of projects. The ambulance workshop represents a direct response to council members’ concerns about response reliability and provider contracts.

Details on next steps: The city will proceed with bond closing and project budgeting, circulate the fire-station repair plan to council, finalize procurement awards, and staff will schedule the ambulance services workshop within about 10 days to present data and next steps as requested by council.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Port Arthur - City Council","oneSentenceSummary","The Port Arthur City Council on July 29 approved an $18 million certificates-of-obligation sale and a package of zoning, procurement and budget measures, and scheduled a workshop on ambulance services after extended discussion over provider reliability and equipment and station repairs.","taxTitle","Port Arthur City, Jefferson County, Texas","taxId",5749,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6487880,"Council approves rezoning at 8520 Wilson Avenue for multipurpose event center after public hearing",381,1712000,2093000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5506654-920ee729af74131de0e7f5c56064798a&start=1712&end=2093","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5506654-920ee729af74131de0e7f5c56064798a/thumbnail_1712000.jpg","/articles/6487880/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Council-approves-rezoning-at-8520-Wilson-Avenue-for-multipurpose-event-center-after-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487880-b78eb0128ec9b2298ebd67c5dc160837/orig.mp4?Expires=1770839111&Signature=SeTa07Y56WvZccLzHNn6XYjrSLfOqsxrIZg5R2HaVEZuuQeDVSaSBD60kFqgjlLRnka~C9cbDRHouUcgcbSHTZV77YeZyoguWO4fuo4fyUfNFqu70tNPe381uytpE5pU6RMGSpypZFtlW7McC~2dbOsho~Q1g-EmHMAsGhHCcLXbgP5MUAaVLXxpzX7fcU2kc7zQE-iFOmIKX~lPGU7MnddsFmNRW2ae7WXZ61kpYOmFjHWAT-NccEH0qygETRUo8Wf4OQxp5D~Oz~P~em~wQHw8PpbCRonKdrQINzgGHxE~aTwXLxKmwoZRcTPbkpWHBMjTk4TSn6lCq2HOzHjBVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At 6:00 p.m. during the July 29 meeting, the Port Arthur City Council held a public hearing and subsequently approved the rezoning of roughly 2.892 acres located at 8520 Wilson Avenue from medium-density residential to Planned Development District 45 to accommodate a proposed multipurpose event center.

Planning staff explained the request, noting a complete application had been filed in September 2024, two community meetings had been held, and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval by a 3–0 vote. Public notice steps complied with Texas Local Government Code Sections 211.006 and 211.007; staff reported no written opposition had been received for the council hearing. Staff presented conceptual renderings and an aerial/surface view of adjacent properties.

There were no members of the public who spoke in opposition at the council hearing. After the hearing closed, council voted to adopt the ordinance rezoning the property to PD-45. The adoptive ordinance includes standard misdemeanor penalties for code violations and took effect after publication as required by law.

Why it matters: The rezoning permits construction and operation of a facility designed to host community events, cultural programs and recreational activities at a site that had been zoned for medium-density residential uses. Planning staff and the council said the PD designation allows flexibility for project innovations and site-specific conditions.

Next steps: Applicant and staff will coordinate final development review, site plan approvals and any required conditions in accordance with the adopted Planned Development zoning.","After a public hearing with no written opposition, the council approved rezoning approximately 2.892 acres at 8520 Wilson Avenue from medium-density residential to Planned Development District 45 to permit a multipurpose event center.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6487885,"Interim fire leadership outlines 30/90-day plan for station repairs, mold remediation and equipment",259,2656000,2915000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5506654-920ee729af74131de0e7f5c56064798a&start=2656&end=2915","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5506654-920ee729af74131de0e7f5c56064798a/thumbnail_2656000.jpg","/articles/6487885/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Interim-fire-leadership-outlines-3090-day-plan-for-station-repairs-mold-remediation-and-equipment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487885-2fe8054458241b8e37d60f64e917d60d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770839111&Signature=igslIfStEHXEMZzk5sVTnP3XcYA4f4WWa5ZXU5-Jm9mi0TXxsz3AKImPnnT5jtJ-ez2FZ9Lq99Kq4leU2v16iDHUwowMYf-IHLI7JqM-M8T0f4OiL1fEcfQzOfoEJkp8v07WoT~6wiAN93vscf-t4LMLGlGbm0CR5-LyuXAVVRCz44zIqaOVuSypH1ymJUXCnQamZXccNy3uiPMHcNJsEoxoEB1XTYvfw2smRLUtdB2moaSy3b7Xr9jKyDKWBx3x4Eu8urQspY83dI0T1i1zmo5eHdscRID3rTttb8riOC2hCIhPNe-9e8jMKy8w3bXRJTleNUWgSr1lf1ZjRls9BQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Interim Fire Chief Robert Havens and Interim Deputy Fire Chief Antonio Mitchell presented a prioritized plan for addressing physical deficiencies and safety items at Port Arthur’s fire stations during the July 29 meeting.

Deputy Chief Mitchell said staff developed a clean-up and repair strategy that breaks tasks into 30-day and 90-day segments and identifies longer-term items. He described specific work underway or scheduled at multiple stations: concrete repair and bids for Station 1; pest-control/termite inspection and roofing wear-and-tear evaluation; Station 3 rebuild in progress; Station 4 boat access and generator procurement; Station 5 floor repair and fence work; and Station 6 mold remediation and planned inline dehumidifier installation to address interior moisture.

Mitchell said the city will secure quotes for sprinkler and fire-alarm systems where needed; purchase orders were being issued. He also said the city’s insurance representative will perform a comprehensive evaluation of all stations and that earlier assessments (in 2023) would be updated in 2025. Mitchell told council that many of the identified items appear to be wear-and-tear rather than insurable events, but staff will pursue insurance coverage where appropriate.

Council members asked for the written 30/90-day plan and estimated costs; City Manager Lynn and Chief Mitchell said they would email the report to all council members by the end of the evening. Council member Kinlaw emphasized urgency, especially for mold and HVAC concerns, and asked staff to pursue insurance claims where appropriate.

Next steps: City staff will send the written plan to council, schedule remediation work where urgent, obtain contractor quotes and coordinate with risk/insurance staff to pursue coverable claims.","Interim fire department leadership told the council they have an actionable 30/90-day plan to address concrete, roofing, HVAC, mold remediation, generators and door-access work at multiple stations and will email the full written plan to council members.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6487890,"Council orders workshop on ambulance services after data concerns; RFQ already issued",1687,5226000,6913000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5506654-920ee729af74131de0e7f5c56064798a&start=5226&end=6913","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5506654-920ee729af74131de0e7f5c56064798a/thumbnail_5226000.jpg","/articles/6487890/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Council-orders-workshop-on-ambulance-services-after-data-concerns-RFQ-already-issued","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487890-4252345a9474f01eca1a61e169949835/orig.mp4?Expires=1770839111&Signature=c5zkFJjPN2dL0doFi81wZnHQIx1U3QMGLbcZ0UNw7d8LXxMafTsmnmr7HXNQR3aP5IV-CM3YSFx~wUGmalPO6zhIfFbTs-eKJAzuhnxws1GH47obRvOuBmK5tFPu4kEfLiQYw4sd-eV5GEEvkzki8xjONAybqKs1tnWYfjLaC51JOcwgpVP1AL72tN~gLcw-Ms-xFi1R5e-iUXIeFwqtiQLCsZ1kYESXTsNb3cDyIRKBvGiM5N4edHh7~8dIpTIxzD18QiyMawsvFm88xK0SPfVZ3Iifv7TOav20~q5BlsruZfgW8GojdGQ17lQsmP4Y0baxHNT~-LTrVesYN8pa2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members raised repeated concerns about the reliability and oversight of ambulance services in Port Arthur during the July 29 meeting and directed city staff to convene a workshop on emergency medical services within approximately 10 days. The request followed multiple council members’ recollections of past service problems and a desire to see city-controlled data on response times and system performance.

Deputy Fire Chief Antonio Mitchell explained the operational relationship between the city’s PSAP (dispatch) and private ambulance providers and said the data the city holds differ from providers’ internal reports because the PSAP receives and routes the original 911 calls. Mitchell said he is satisfied with day-to-day communications with the current provider but confirmed the city needed to provide a transparent baseline and performance metrics for council review.

City Manager Lynn and procurement staff said the current provider contract was extended and will expire in November; because of that timeline the city has issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) to allow other providers to respond if they wish. Council member Kinlaw and others sought a written baseline of response statistics, levels of service, and data on call handling and performance; council also asked that staff meet with the incumbent provider to discuss outstanding performance issues.

Council approved a motion to schedule a workshop on ambulance services; staff said they will poll council for available dates and aim to hold the meeting within 10 days, with the possibility of combining it with an already planned special meeting if schedules align. The workshop will include the fire department, EMS providers, procurement and legal staff and should present clear response-time data, unit availability and options for one-provider or multi-provider service models.

Direct quotes from the meeting:
- Deputy Interim Fire Chief Antonio Mitchell: \"If they're the best, they're gonna win out every time... If they're the best company, no matter what we do, we should have been to sort our citizens that, hey. Look. We've done our due diligence, and this is why.\" (paraphrased verbatim in transcript)

Next steps: Staff to compile and present PSAP-derived response-time data, provider performance records, and procurement/RFQ status at the workshop; procurement will continue RFQ processing so responses are available before the November contract expiration.","Councilors pressed staff for response-time and performance data and directed a workshop on EMS/ambulance services within about 10 days. Staff said the contract with the current provider expires in November and that an RFQ has been posted so other vendors can propose.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":44,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":50,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6487895,"Council accepts favorable bid; Port Arthur to issue up to $18M in certificates of obligation",552,3448000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5506654-920ee729af74131de0e7f5c56064798a&start=2896&end=3448","/articles/6487895/Port-Arthur-City/Jefferson-County/Texas/Council-accepts-favorable-bid-Port-Arthur-to-issue-up-to-18M-in-certificates-of-obligation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487895-79935ebdec49003935e3fa6c30a8943c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770839111&Signature=S4WmeKsMPe5FEpcoYMCCqdG5GgQ91DprxAZSd1pmzJULxZVc~of4j~ZxjEHkwA8LXtq2GLYi7q3LmpgCiSRn3Ja6p8xZkULUXPt8FS84dQg398BA7CjEwcGuAeumwyX~On~tmodukkYTMUDmcDX01bqJJHqZUwd7iro26pxFRnYvh~BtByuym22uKbhlnjwZYhUTmCgfnP2zybauVOG5nUlR61WTVT-pUK0xktBtOUnRSahZtcZlJu43a-zcz5ZCvRk~1031mEEwP9jtY9qyX~tYeN4NEZXk80KbDJX6n~VsAUpAi2yupiDwSDB9x7mds2XHLatW4OA4kGUcT0lHww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City financial advisors presented the results of a negotiated bond sale before council on July 29 and recommended awarding the certificates of obligation. Ann Berger Entrekin of Hilltop Securities summarized investor interest, the Standard & Poor’s rating outcome and how premium proceeds enable the city to deposit the full $18,000,000 into the project fund.

\"Congratulations the city you kept your same rating an A plus with a stable outlook,\" Ann Berger Entrekin told council, noting the rating agency observed \"stronger than budgeted revenue growth,\" a strong fund balance and the city’s long-term capital planning. The bid presented to council showed a par amount of $17,675,000 with premium bringing total sources to $18,333,000 and a winning interest rate of approximately 4.63%.

Council discussion centered on how the proceeds will be assigned. Council members asked for an itemized allocation by category so members could track project spending; staff said a draft project allocation exists and will be provided to council before the end of the meeting and will be finalized during the budget process. Assistant city management staff and the finance director said the certificates will fund capital projects including street, building and park improvements and site acquisition; staff emphasized final allocations can be adjusted when the council adopts the capital budget.

The motion to award the sale passed by majority vote (voice vote). Staff next steps are to finalize the purchase agreement, complete closing, deposit the project fund and present a detailed project allocation schedule to council for tracking.","After a rating review and bond-market update, the council approved the sale of combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation not to exceed $18 million, with the bid reflecting a par amount of $17,675,000 and an effective interest rate around 4.63%.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Port Arthur council passes $18 million certificates of obligation, approves zoning and other measures

Council approves rezoning at 8520 Wilson Avenue for multipurpose event center after public hearing

Interim fire leadership outlines 30/90-day plan for station repairs, mold remediation and equipment

Council orders workshop on ambulance services after data concerns; RFQ already issued

Council accepts favorable bid; Port Arthur to issue up to $18M in certificates of obligation