The City of Amarillo is making publicly available the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office report regarding its investigation of the May 2026 fire that originated at the City of Amarillo Landfill. The State Fire Marshal’s Office conducted the independent origin and cause investigation at the request of Mayor Cole Stanley. The City obtained the completed report through a public information request and is making the report available in the interest of transparency. After receiving an initial copy of the report in September, the City sought to confirm that it had the version appropriate for public release due to a “SENSITIVE” stamp located on the document. The City subsequently learned that the same report had been released in response to a media public information request and is therefore making it publicly available without further delay. While confirming the version provided, the City also requested clarification of a date discrepancy in Section 1.3 of the report and was advised that a correction had been made. The version being released still references Saturday, May 16, 2026. For clarity, the landfill fire began on Sunday, May 17, 2026, and spread beyond the landfill on Monday, May 18, 2026, as reflected in the report’s synopsis. Because the report was independently prepared by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office, questions regarding the investigation, methodology, or conclusions contained in the report should be directed to that agency.

 Beginning Friday, October 2, you won’t need a plane ticket to meet someone at the gate at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (RHAIA).  Gateside by TSA (Transportation Security Administration) PreCheck will be available at RHAIA. RHAIA is one of 13 initial airports nationwide to offer Gateside by TSA PreCheck, which allows approved, non-ticketed individuals access to the post-security area.  Eligible TSA PreCheck members can apply for a Gateside pass and once approved, go through security to meet arriving passengers, walk family or friends to their gate, visit someone during a layover or enjoy dining and shopping beyond security.  Apply online one to three days before your planned visit using your Known Traveler Number.  Learn more and apply at: www.tsa.gov/precheck/gateside-tsa-precheck  Gateside by TSA PreCheck is available to people who are eligible to access TSA PreCheck screening, including TSA PreCheck members, certain federal employees and other trusted travelers. Availability may be limited during peak travel periods.  The program is administered and managed entirely by TSA, including the application, eligibility, approval and screening processes.  For questions about program-specific requirements, including eligibility, applications, approvals, identification requirements, and participation limits, contact TSA at tsamedia@tsa.dhs.gov. 

 Amarillo City Council approved a series of agenda items related to the City of Amarillo (COA) Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget during a special meeting Tuesday, officially completing the latest city budget process.  All votes were 4-1.  The budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by $2,063,963 which is a 2.58 percent increase from last year’s budget. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $1,295,675.  Council approved a tax rate of $0.43070, which is greater than the current rate. The tax rate will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s tax rate. The tax rate will effectively be raised by 2.9 percent and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $9.  Council approved an ad valorem tax rate of $0.32412 per $100 of property valuation for maintenance and operations expenses and $0.10658 per $100 of property valuation for existing debt expenses resulting in a total ad valorem rate of $0.43070 per $100 of property valuation.  The special meeting can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WEnB-uqYVg  The budget can be accessed online at: www.amarillo.gov/finance/financial-information/  For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.