Fort Smith · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fort Smith public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Roadway engineering update
Ben Marts, the interim deputy director of engineering for roadways, is lined up as guest speaker. Expect talk about street conditions, project priorities and the roadwork pipeline.
Comprehensive plan update and Future Fort Smith
The committee is digging into the top 10 goals for Fort Smith's Comprehensive Plan and how the revision process will unfold. This document guides how the city grows — zoning, infrastructure, parks and more — so the goals picked here ripple into everything.
Goodwin & Goodwin sewer rehab contract
The city negotiated the sole bidder down $440,700 on a sewer rehab project after its bid came in 19% over the engineer's estimate — but one director warned the renegotiation sets a risky precedent.
Parrot Island Waterpark financial review and future management
The city was asked to cover $144,000 of the park's year-end operating shortfall amid an ongoing fraud investigation and unpaid invoices. The board tabled the appropriation to December, and several directors questioned whether the city should stay in the water park business at all.
Ten-year capital plans for streets, water and wastewater
The board adopted seven department capital plans covering water, streets and sidewalks, parks, solid waste, transit, police and fire for 2027 and beyond. One director opposed the parks plan, and residents urged restraint given water and sewer obligations.
Firefighter compensation
The board adopted an average 13.7% raise for uniformed firefighters for 2027 and, after advocates pushed, made it effective January 1 instead of April. Speakers said the city has been losing trained firefighters to Northwest Arkansas departments.
Political sign handling at city facilities
Director Christina Catsavis said a candidate's sign was removed and displayed inside Creekmore during early voting, and asked staff to draft a policy keeping removed signs out of polling places and city buildings.
Federal Wastewater Consent Decree program management
The board approved a trimmed-down $2.256 million, one-year contract with Arcadis to manage the federal wastewater consent decree — down $218,000 from the first proposal but still splitting the board 4-3.
Homelessness and the Bell Point Schoolhouse proposal
Glenn Forte' proposed converting the vacant Bell Point Schoolhouse into a transitional housing and jobs facility with work requirements, sobriety support, and rent savings returned when residents secure permanent housing.
City Administrator Contract
Speakers blasted the 2027 budget for giving top administrators large raises — including another $15,000 for a city administrator already at $215,000 — while firefighters have gone roughly five years without a significant raise.
Flock camera audit
Sharon Lockwood warned that Flock cameras can listen inside vehicles and that the data belongs to the vendor, calling it 'wireless tapping' and urging the Board to think carefully about privacy before expanding surveillance.
2027 Sidewalk Program
Public Works proposes 3.21 miles of new sidewalks and 1.04 miles of repairs in 2027, prioritized by school proximity and pedestrian traffic, with a homebuilder offering to pay material costs on two stretches.
Consent decree funding gap
Directors sparred over how to pay the remaining ~$250 million of consent decree and water infrastructure work — refinancing 2018 bonds, revenue bonds, or another sales tax. Staff committed the required financial management plan will be done by the January 19 deadline.
FCRA dissolution accountability
Speaker Patrick McGuire pressed the Board to reaffirm its 2024 call to dissolve the Fort Chaffee redevelopment authority, get a legal assessment of dissolution routes within 60 days, and start a public transition process with deadlines.
Convenience store with gas sales at Jenny Lind and Jackson
Directors Settle, Martin, and Kemp pushed back hard on the proposed $2.3 million Jenny Lind extension, calling it an unwanted cut-through that would speed traffic through Fianna Hills. They want neighborhood input sessions before any vote.
Data center zoning regulations
Residents handed the Board Fayetteville's data center ordinance as a model and flagged Arkansas laws (Act 851, 373, 548) that limit local bans, allow construction-work-in-progress charges, and give developers sales tax breaks — urging strong protective language in Fort Smith's draft ordinance.
In-house street paving crew proposal
Public Works wants to build two internal paving crews — 23 personnel and $12-13 million up front in 2027 — claiming roughly 56% savings versus contracting out. Directors balked, saying they need the full numbers before approving it in the CIP.
Parrot Island Waterpark financial reporting oversight
The board was scheduled to hire Forvis Mazars to audit the city-owned waterpark's finances.
Transparency dashboard for CIP projects
A resident proposed a plain-language, ward-by-ward online dashboard showing where CIP money goes — saying the city already owns the mapping software and it would rebuild public trust before any future tax ask.
Interlocal Agreement Cost-Sharing Changes
The board is weighing changes to the interlocal agreement covering purchasing procedures and the 69.7%/30.3% funding split between Fort Smith and Sebastian County, plus whether smaller municipalities should help pay. Draft bylaws are coming in March.
Prepaid Wireless 911 Fee Shortfall
Directors Kemp and Settle asked for an update on the project to consolidate the city's 911 dispatch into a single NG911 answering point. The update was placed on this study session agenda at the March 3 regular meeting.
2027 RVCC Budget and Municipal Cost-Sharing
The committee was scheduled to hear from Dr. Wes Milam, director of the regional 911 communications center. Dispatch capacity and funding affect how quickly police, fire, and EMS respond across the Fort Smith area.
Mayoral Election
Fort Smith voters have seven mayoral candidates to sort through, and this KNWA FOX24 rundown gives a side-by-side look at who they are and what they stand for. It’s a shortcut for comparing the field before casting a ballot. The next mayor will shape city spending, services, and priorities.
Single-bid controversy on Z003 sewer project
The city opened a sole $5.5 million bid that came in 19% over estimate, then tried to reject it — prompting a legal threat from the contractor. The episode exposed gaps in the city's bid-opening procedures and advertising practices, and led to a tabled item and negotiation directive.
Maybranch Greenway connection approved as sharrows
The city was set to accept a $2.44 million federal grant to build the first phase of the May Branch Railroad Trail connecting Martin Luther King Jr. Park to the river levee trails — with an equal city match.
Tilles Park splash pad
The city will spend about $1 million on a new, larger splash pad at Tilles Park, replacing a cheaply built one from a prior administration that would otherwise need a $150,000 mechanical retrofit. The old pad becomes a basketball court.
Auto and property insurance renewal
The board renewed its self-funded employee health coverage and a $84,544.72 cyber liability policy, the latter notable while the city recovers from a recent cyberattack.
Cybersecurity event update
Multiple residents pressed the board to disclose the scope of the cyberattack — whether employee and resident data is exposed, whether police reports and court records are inaccessible, and who is accountable. The board has stayed silent for over a month, and the administrator only promised a public statement "at some point."
Cybersecurity event and internal auditor evaluation
The board heard a closed-session update on the city's cybersecurity incident and evaluated the Internal Auditor, taking no action on either.
Maybranch Greenway within Levee Improvement District No. 1
A proposed one-mile concrete trail segment crossing levee district land was rejected 3-1, with the no vote citing lifetime maintenance costs; supporters say it's a planned, grant-funded trail with no new flood risk. It returns November 17.
Local Election
Three candidates are running for the Fort Smith Board of Directors Position 6 seat, which helps set local policy and city budgets. Voters will decide who represents them on the city board, so the race is about who gets a say in Fort Smith decisions.
Water Quality Warning
Fort Smith issued a water warning because auto fluids may have contaminated the city water supply. If you're on city water, pay attention to official advisories before drinking or using tap water. Details are still thin, so watch for updates.
Ward 3 hot mix asphalt plant
Residents say an asphalt plant near a school and daycare is polluting air and stormwater, has an air violation, and is seeking answers about permits and accountability.
Data center regulations in Fort Smith
Residents pressed the board to strengthen the draft data center ordinance, arguing state law doesn't prevent stricter local rules and warning about water and power demands of hyperscale facilities.
2027 Proposed Operating Budget
A balanced budget was distributed covering all four operating funds, with emphasis on employee pay and keeping current service levels; real scrutiny comes November 13.
Mayoral Candidate Forum
Fort Smith mayoral candidates just faced off over city spending, whether to change the form of government, and Flock surveillance cameras. These are the issues that could shape how your city is run after the election. If you care about taxes, local control, or privacy, this race is worth watching.
Potential revenue enhancement options
Staff floated doubling the alcohol tax from 5% to 10% to fund the full firefighter raise, but not a single director supported it — restaurants and bars would have borne the cost.
Civic engagement programs
The city reviewed its Trailblazer 101 Citizens Academy and a proposed 'Citizens First: The American System' participation model for getting residents more involved.
City Board Candidate Forum
Fort Smith board candidates are debating whether to change the city’s form of government and how to handle downtown development. Those choices could reshape local elections and spending for years, so the forum is your chance to see where candidates stand before voting.
B Street South Sewer Upgrades
A small contract amendment adds $10,700 and 115 days for engineering work on the B Street South sewer project, which is tied to the federal consent decree work.
Lake Fort Smith Water Transmission Line Phase 2A1-2 federal funding request
Fort Smith is pulling in major federal dollars for water: $12 million from Senator Boozman for the Lake Fort Smith transmission line (no local match needed) and $3 million from HUD for neighborhood water lines. The transmission line repair overall is estimated at $300-500 million.
FCRA land use authority dispute
Director George Catsavis pressed whether the city can revoke the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority's land use authority, calling the arrangement 'a nightmare' for developers. The city attorney will review the governing documents and report back.
Dilapidated structure enforcement and vacant-home squatting
An ordinance would order owners of four substandard houses to demolish them, or authorize the city to do the demolition. It's a neighborhood-blight issue affecting property values and safety on Blair Avenue, Rowe Avenue, North 9th Street, and South K Street.
Demolition of chronic blighted properties
Three long-neglected houses will come down after years of failed enforcement, including one where the owner died and one with squatters. The city will demolish and lien the properties.
2026 Property Tax Millage
The board renewed the annual property tax rates — the same rates as always: 5 mills general, 1 mill each for the library, police and fire pensions. These are at the state maximum, so no change to your property tax bill.
Mayoral Debate
Fort Smith’s mayoral candidates went head-to-head over the city’s big issues before Election Day. If you vote in Fort Smith, it’s worth watching to see where the candidates actually stand. The debate itself doesn’t change policy, but it helps you make a more informed choice.
Mayoral Campaign Fundraising
Fort Smith’s mayoral race has already drawn more than $71,000 in campaign contributions, which tells you this isn’t a sleepy contest. The cash matters because it buys ads, mailers and outreach that shape what voters hear before Election Day.
Consent Decree Program Management (Arcadis)
The city is hiring a national firm to manage the remaining nine years of federally mandated sewer work, funded by up to $385 million in sales tax bonds. Directors questioned whether the $2.474M first-year price will pay for itself in savings and accountability.
Non-Uniformed Employee Salary Study
The city's consultant found non-uniformed employees lag the market by about 2% on median — better than 2023 but still behind most peer cities — and recommended 2-4% pay range adjustments for the 2027 budget.
Citywide Ballot Measure
Fort Smith voters will decide a citywide ballot measure that could flip a major local election-related decision—but the source is vague about what exactly would change. If you live in Fort Smith, this is worth watching because the outcome could reshape how the city handles something significant.