Amarillo City Council to consider landfill repairs, water pipeline agreement, and economic development incentives

The Amarillo City Council is set to tackle a wide-ranging agenda Tuesday afternoon, with discussions scheduled on major infrastructure projects, economic development incentives, utility billing concerns, and long-term water supply planning.

The council’s regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Public comments may be submitted online, by contacting the City Secretary’s Office, or in person before the meeting begins.

Among the most significant items on the agenda are proposed repairs and expansion of the gas collection system at the Amarillo Landfill, a memorandum of understanding related to a major regional water project, and a location incentive agreement involving a local manufacturing operation.

Economic Development Incentive Agreement

Council members are expected to consider a location incentive agreement between the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation and Owens Corning Composite Materials as part of the consent agenda.

The proposed agreement represents one of several economic development initiatives aimed at supporting business growth and investment in Amarillo. Details of the incentive package are included among the council’s consent items, which also feature multiple rezoning requests and board appointments.

Landfill Gas System Expansion

One of the largest contracts under consideration would authorize approximately $1.27 million for Landmarc Environmental Services to expand and repair the Amarillo Landfill’s gas collection and control system.

According to agenda documents, the system must be periodically expanded as the landfill continues to grow in both area and elevation. The infrastructure is designed to collect and burn gases produced by decomposing waste, helping the city comply with state and federal environmental regulations.

The proposal comes amid heightened attention on landfill operations following the May Stinky Fire that damaged or destroyed dozens of homes in Potter County. Following the fire, city officials initiated an internal audit and investigation while also pursuing outside reviews by state and other agencies.

The landfill has remained a major focus for city leaders since the incident, with officials previously discussing the possibility of an independent operational assessment of the facility.

Utility Billing Review Continues

Council members will also consider a contract related to reviewing the city’s utility billing system, an issue that has generated significant public concern in recent months.

The City of Amarillo launched a new utility billing platform in late March. By late April and early May, many residents reported unexpected increases in recorded water usage and monthly bills.

In response, city officials began reviewing the system and exploring options for independent evaluations and potential corrections. Tuesday’s agenda includes a proposed contract that would help advance that review process.

Regional Water Pipeline Project

Another major item involves a memorandum of understanding between Amarillo and the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority (CRMWA).

The agreement would authorize Amarillo’s mayor, along with mayors from ten other CRMWA member cities, to sign a non-binding memorandum supporting the development of a proposed second groundwater pipeline known as CRMWA II.

The project would involve construction of an approximately 70-mile pipeline extending from Roberts County to member communities served by the authority.

The proposal is significant because Amarillo relies heavily on CRMWA for its municipal water supply. The authority operates groundwater well fields connected to the Ogallala Aquifer in Roberts County and manages water distribution from Lake Meredith.

Supporters view the proposed pipeline as a long-term investment in regional water reliability and infrastructure planning.

East Gateway Development Zone Discussion

Council members are also expected to receive reports regarding the East Gateway Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2.

Discussions will focus on the zone’s goals, current boundaries, acreage, and potential expansion opportunities. Tax increment reinvestment zones are commonly used to encourage development and infrastructure improvements in targeted areas by reinvesting increased property tax revenues generated within the district.

Budget Amendments and Infrastructure Projects

Several non-consent agenda items involve financial and infrastructure planning.

Council members will consider adopting amendments to the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. The proposed amendment includes a taxpayer impact statement that would be retroactively effective as of Sept. 1, 2025.

Additional contracts under consideration include projects related to water main extensions and the city’s fiscal year 2026-2027 street maintenance program.

Broad Agenda Reflects Ongoing City Priorities

Tuesday’s meeting highlights several of the city’s most pressing priorities, including infrastructure reliability, environmental compliance, economic development, utility accountability, and long-term water security.