Here’s a look at several stories and government meetings making news across the Texas Panhandle. Tuesday’s agendas include tax, budget and infrastructure discussions, while Hereford prepares for its annual celebration of agriculture and community.
Employee Hospitalized After Hazmat Call at Clements Unit
One person was taken to a hospital after a hazmat call Monday at the Bill Clements Unit. Potter County fire crews initially responded to a medical call after an employee became sick after opening an envelope in the mail room.
The Amarillo Fire Department Hazmat Team was called to assist and found traces of Xylazine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative or tranquilizer that is often found in the U.S. illegal drug supply and has been linked to overdose deaths.
Officials said the substance was confined to the room. The employee was taken by ambulance with minor injuries.
Hereford Jubilee Returns Saturday
The sixth annual Hereford Jubilee will return Saturday at Dameron Park with food, entertainment and a celebration of the area’s agricultural heritage. The event, hosted by the Deaf Smith Historical Society and Deaf Smith County Museum, will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Festivities will begin with a parade from Hereford High School through downtown, with participation free to community members. Following the parade, the Deaf Smith Historical Society will recognize its Farmer/Rancher of the Year, followed by tractor judging with awards for Best in Show, People’s Choice and Oldest Tractor.
The Jubilee will also feature a live DJ, bouncy houses, face painting, a petting zoo, food trucks, vendors and a bake sale. A raffle will include a $300 meat pack from Beef Capital of the World Fine Meats and other items donated by local businesses.
Amarillo College Regents to Consider 2026 Tax Rate
The Amarillo College Board of Regents will hold a special meeting Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the College Union Building, 2201 S. Washington St. Regents will consider the college’s 2026 tax rate, set a date to adopt the rate and schedule a public hearing on the proposal.
The board will also discuss a collaboration between Amarillo College and the Amarillo Police Department involving campus services. A representative from the City of Amarillo Office of Emergency Management is expected to attend.
The meeting will include an opportunity for public comment.
Randall County Commissioners Face Full Agenda
The Randall County Commissioners Court will meet Tuesday at 501 16th St. in Canyon, with personnel, taxes, benefits and economic development among the items on its agenda. Commissioners will discuss appointing a county road superintendent and review the tax assessor’s 2026 appraised value, taxable value and collection rate.
The court will consider a resolution allowing the county to nominate Owens Corning for designation as a qualified business under the Texas Enterprise Zone Program, along with changes involving county health benefits and flexible spending accounts. Other items include an easement involving Lake Tanglewood, an agreement with Zayo Group for fiber-optic lines, a Road and Bridge superintendent bond renewal, a donation to the Texas A&M Forest Service and a plan summary with MaxorPlus Ltd.
Commissioners will also discuss setting salaries, expenses or allowances for elected county and precinct officials for 2026-27. The meeting will include a time for public comments.
Amarillo City Council to Discuss Economy, Air Quality and Infrastructure
The Amarillo City Council will meet Tuesday at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 623 S. Johnson St., with economic development, infrastructure and city finances on the agenda. Discussion items include a quarterly update from the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, proposed changes to city codes concerning vegetation obstructing streets, alleys and sidewalks, the North Heights Community Air Quality Monitoring Effort and a presentation of the fiscal year 2024-25 Single Audit by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP.
Council members will consider a $146,000 contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. for an Aquatic Market Viability Study and a resolution approving the expenditure of Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue by the Amarillo Convention and Visitors Bureau. The council will also hold public hearings and consider several rezoning requests.
