Summary
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.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 1
Rising — discussed at 3 meetings since Sep 14, 2026, up from 0 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
About $44,000 in new reimbursable expenses approved, leaving roughly $53,500 of the $400,000 state reimbursement.
All residents who rely on 911 dispatch for police, fire, and EMS response.
Small municipalities facing sudden multi-fold increases in their 911 bills with budgets due October 15.
Mentions & discussions (4)
River Valley Communications Center Board - Regular Meeting - Oct 23, 2026
The 2027 911 dispatch budget actually costs less than before, but the way it's split among cities is changing based on population. Quarterly amounts were set for each municipality, with Fort Smith paying about $400,865 per quarter.
River Valley Communications Center Board - Regular Meeting - Sep 16, 2026
The 2027 budget could raise 911 costs for small Sebastian County communities by more than 500% — Greenwood's estimate jumped from about $80,000 to $180,000. Towns need final numbers before their October 15 budget deadlines, but the board postponed approval 6-3.
Future Fort Smith Committee - Regular Meeting - Sep 14, 2026
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.
River Valley Communications Center Board - Regular Meeting - Jun 25, 2026
Sebastian County dispatch moves into the Fort Smith communications center on July 6. Field units shouldn't notice any change, and remaining consolidation expenses were approved.
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