News

For the 34th straight year, the City of Amarillo (COA) has earned the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fiscal year 2024-2025 COA budget. The award represents a significant achievement. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, COA had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as: Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. There are over 1,700 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA’s website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America. For more information on the GFOA, go to: www.gfoa.org

Madison Harrison has reached an elite level in her profession with the City of Amarillo (COA). Think of it as similar to a black belt in the world of karate. Or (not to be too nerdy) think of it as being a Jedi Master in the world of “Star Wars.” “I guess that might be similar,” Harrison said with a laugh. Harrison, an Environmental Health Specialist III with the COA Environmental Health Department, has earned the title of Certified Master Pool Builder. For perspective, Harrison is one of 53 people in the world who have earned such certification. She is one of 50 in the United States, one of nine in Texas and the only COA employee. “The certification that Madison has earned is a rare and unique accomplishment,” said COA Director of Environmental Health Anthony Spanel. “We are extremely proud of Madison. “This sets Amarillo apart from all others as Madison has advanced knowledge of pool design and operation allowing her to aid the community in complex problem-solving related to recreational bodies of water. The goal is to have a direct impact on public health by reducing waterborne illnesses and unintentional drownings through educational and regulatory intervention.” Harrison spent more than two years earning the certification from the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance. She completed 150 hours of education across four levels and traveled to Dallas, Atlantic City and Florida. As part of her job, Harrison inspects all public and semi-public pools in Potter and Randall counties. This includes city pools, apartments, gyms, clubs, etc. “I have not only gained a lot of experience and knowledge but also perspective,” said Harrison, who has been with the city for four years. “As an inspector, we learn what the codes say and why. We don’t really learn the technical or applicable

Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (RHAIA) will be hosting a TSA PreCheck® enrollment event in collaboration with IDEMIA, an authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment provider since 2013. Travelers will be able to enroll or renew their membership at RHAIA from July 8-11 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The TSA PreCheck Application Program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. The enrollment process is quick, convenient, and even faster when the application is completed online beforehand. During the in-person appointment, applicants are required to provide identity and citizenship documents, fingerprints and a photo will be captured, and then pay for the application fee. IDEMIA offers TSA PreCheck enrollment for $76.75 and if approved, travelers get a five-year membership with the program. Following the in-person enrollment appointment, most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in about three to five days. The KTN number must be added to flight reservations to enjoy TSA PreCheck benefits.  TSA PreCheck was created in October 2011 as a way to provide low-risk travelers with a smoother experience through airport security. It is a great option for travelers looking to save time. Enrolled members have access to TSA PreCheck dedicated screening lanes at over 200 participating U.S. airports nationwide, and 99% of members wait 10 minutes or less in a screening lane. TSA PreCheck passengers travel with ease and keep their shoes, belts and light jackets on and keep laptops, 3-1-1 liquids and food items in their bags. Travelers unable to make the RHAIA enrollment event but still interested in enrolling in the TSA PreCheck Application Program can complete the application online and schedule an appointment at one of IDEMIA’s 630-plus enrollment centers nationwide. To get started visit: https://tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/ For more information on the TSA PreCheck

A road project on Georgia Street will require a temporary change in traffic patterns beginning Monday (June 2). The project will include work on underground utilities and new paving and will take an estimated six months for completion, depending on weather conditions. The project will extend from Burk Lane to Loop 335. The project will include temporary roadways to divert traffic around the construction area and to minimize impact to the public as much as possible. Motorists are advised to please heed all traffic signs in the area. Included is a map with the red designation indicating the change in traffic flow beginning Monday. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov. ###

The City of Amarillo (COA) Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) will temporarily close the AMBUCS inclusive playground at John Ward Memorial Park beginning Monday (June 2). The playground is one of the most popular playgrounds in Amarillo with significant foot traffic and use. This will be the third resurfacing project for the playground since opening nine years ago. The resurfacing project is needed to prevent possible future safety hazards on the turf surface. The ideal conditions for resurfacing include specific temperatures to ensure proper curing. These conditions will be present in upcoming weeks. The estimated time of completion is two to three weeks. The public will be notified when the playground reopens. City council approved the turf resurfacing project in March. For additional information contact PARD at (806) 378-3036 or by email at contact@amarilloparks.org Also for more information, contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager David Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov.