News

Thomas Hover has accepted a conditional offer for the position of Chief of Police for the City of Amarillo pending the completion of pre-employment requirements. Hover was selected from a field of three finalists. The selection follows a comprehensive recruitment process that included public input, staff feedback, and multiple interview panels. The conditional offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation and confirmation by the Amarillo City Council at their next meeting on January 13, 2026.  Confirmation by the governing body is a requirement of Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code.  “This appointment reflects a careful evaluation of each finalist’s qualifications, leadership style, and fit for our organization,” said City Manager, Grayson Path. “Input from the community, department staff, and our interview panels provided valuable perspective and affirmed that Mr. Hover’s leadership approach and experience are well suited to the current and future needs of the Amarillo Police Department.” Hover brings more than 25 years of progressive law enforcement experience with the Irving Police Department, where he currently oversees field operations and specialized bureaus. His career includes leadership in community policing initiatives, officer wellness programs, and crisis intervention efforts. He has also served as an incident commander during major public events and emergency responses. Hover earned a Bachelor of Science – Criminal Justice from Texas State University and a Master of Applied Liberal Arts – Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University.  A graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) Leadership Command College, Hover is recognized for a leadership style that balances data-driven policing with meaningful community engagement. “I am deeply humbled and honored to have been selected as the next Police Chief for the City of Amarillo,” said Hover. “I am grateful to the city leadership for

The City of Amarillo’s Comanche Trail Golf Complex will be closed to the public for one day on Wednesday (December 17) due to a scheduled pump station capital upgrade. The project will require a temporary power source be installed, requiring all electrical power to be shut off to the facility. As the project advances, an additional temporary closure will be required when the permanent transformer is wired and installed. Updates will be provided as available. This capital investment upgrade reflects the city’s commitment to improving and modernizing the pump stations at both the Comanche Trail and Ross Rogers Golf Complexes. Replacing the outdated pump station with a modern, efficient system will: Ensure healthier, more consistent turfgrass conditions through reliable irrigation and improved water distribution. Reduce long-term operational costs by eliminating recurring repair expenses that have occurred frequently over the past several years. Improve system reliability and decrease the likelihood of unexpected service interruptions. Support long-term sustainability by incorporating updated technology and more efficient equipment. Golfers may book tee times (weather permitting) at Ross Rogers Golf Complex by calling 806-378-3086 or visiting playgolfamarillo.com For more information, contact City of Amarillo General Manager of Golf Operations George Priolo by email at George.Priolo@amarillo.gov

The City of Amarillo and Atmos Energy are conducting a gas main infrastructure replacement project which will require temporary lane closures beginning today on Georgia Street, Austin Street and Laurel Street. The temporary lane closures will impact traffic on the northbound side of S. Georgia Street and the closure of Austin Street from Georgia Steet to Laurel Street. Laurel Street will also be closed to pass-through traffic at Austin Street. The timeline for completion of the replacement project is estimated to last through January. The City of Amarillo Solid Waste Department is also relocating dumpsters in impacted alleys. The project will affect traffic around the construction area, but the contractor will minimize impact to the public as much as possible. Motorists are advised to please heed all traffic signs in the area.

The City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) is waiving cat adoption fees beginning Thursday (December 4) through December 13. Adoption fees cover essential services such as spaying or neutering, age-appropriate vaccines and microchipping for identification. For more information and to see all animals available for adoption, go to: amw.amarillo.gov/home-animalmanagement

The City of Amarillo has received an AAA long-term credit rating from S&P Global Ratings for its 2026 certificates of obligation and public property finance contractual obligations. These are standard local government financing tools used for major equipment and facility needs. S&P Global cited Amarillo’s strengths as a regional economic center, conservative financial management and strong reserves. The report notes that the city’s diverse economic base, including manufacturing, defense, food processing, distribution, health care, ranching and education, continues to support steady growth in property values and sales tax revenue. The planned financing will support several essential city investments, including replacing aging equipment, purchasing three new fire engines and improving streets and parks across Amarillo. S&P Global highlighted Amarillo’s practice of using excess reserves to cash-fund capital projects, which has helped keep the city’s debt burden lower than state peers. The report also noted the city’s adherence to a minimum operating reserve of 90 days and its consistent long-term financial planning. “This rating reflects Amarillo’s strong financial practices and ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship,” said Laura Storrs, Chief Financial Officer for the City of Amarillo. “It underscores the stability of our local economy and our continued efforts to invest wisely in community needs.” S&P Global said the stable outlook reflects expectations that Amarillo’s economic growth and strong management practices will continue to support positive financial performance over the next two years.