Fort Smith · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fort Smith public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.