Summary
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.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 10
- Last 30 days
- 2
Rising — discussed at 3 meetings since Sep 22, 2026, up from 1 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
$2.256 million for year one of program management, $218,000 less than originally proposed, drawn from reallocated utilities sales tax.
Residents whose sewer system must meet the federal consent decree — better management aims to control costs over the decade-long program.
Skeptics note taxpayers pay the tab, and critics worry city staff morale suffers if work is duplicated.
Mentions & discussions (10)
Board of Directors - Regular Meeting - Nov 2, 2026
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.
Board of Directors - Regular Meeting - Oct 20, 2026
The city is weighing a $2.47 million contract with Arcadis to manage the multi-year federal wastewater consent decree — hundreds of millions in sewer work over the next decade. Residents and several directors questioned whether the city is duplicating staff work and how Arcadis's performance would be measured.
Fort Smith city staff touts need to hire consent decree management firm
Fort Smith city staff touts need to hire consent decree management firm Talk Business & Politics
Board of Directors - Study Session - Sep 22, 2026
The city needs a program manager to oversee the federally mandated wastewater consent decree projects. A recommendation to hire Arcadis U.S. Inc. will go before the board for a vote on October 5.
Board of Directors - Regular Meeting - Aug 4, 2026
The board approved roughly $11 million in contracts, change orders, and engineering for ongoing sanitary sewer fixes required under the federal consent decree — work funded by sales tax and 2025 bonds.
Board of Directors - Regular Meeting - May 19, 2026
Four resolutions totaling roughly $17 million would advance federally mandated sewer work: a $1.1 million progress payment, a $6.86 million construction contract, and two engineering agreements. These projects are part of the city's sewer consent decree obligations funded by 2025 sales tax bonds.
Board of Directors - Regular Meeting - Mar 17, 2026
Several agenda items advance sanitary sewer work: easement purchases from Morris Drive homeowners, an engineering contract for Basin 12 Sub-Basin P006, and the B Street South Sewer Upgrades.
Board of Directors - Study Session - Jan 27, 2026
The board discussed how to manage the federally mandated Consent Decree construction projects. The plan: solicit proposals locally and nationally, then bring the recommended firm to the board for approval.
Board of Directors - Regular Meeting - Jan 20, 2026
Two change orders under the consent-decree-related sewer work: $95,407 and 50 extra days with Forsgren, and $12,099 and 16 extra days with Patriot Utilities. These continue federally mandated sewer improvements funded by the 5/8% sales tax.
Board of Directors - Study Session - Jan 13, 2026
Two long-tabled sewer remediation contracts will be split into phases and rebid, likely to control costs. Work continues under the federal consent decree.
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