Fort Smith · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fort Smith public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
Internal audit independence under a new form of government
The city's internal audit shop is professionalizing fast — new templates, a new certification, and a jump from the lowest maturity level to Level 2. The committee wants assurance that management actually fixes audit findings this time, with the acting city administrator on the hook for follow-through.
Silent fraud hotline
Two straight years of zero hotline reports. Members noted industry guidance says a silent hotline usually means employees don't trust it — a leftover, they said, from a previous administration's control of the process.
Municipal fine for transporting unhoused people to Fort Smith
A proposed ordinance would make it illegal for outside communities or individuals to transport unhoused people into Fort Smith without the city's consent, with exceptions for jails, hospitals, verified shelters, and court dates.
Police Investigation of Threat
Fort Smith police are looking into a threat against a mayoral candidate’s press secretary, and it’s a sign the local race is getting ugly. The investigation matters because political staff shouldn’t have to work under intimidation—and it can shape how safe and credible the election feels.
Governing board bylaws delayed to September
The board got its first look at draft bylaws that would formalize quorum rules, meeting procedures, budgeting, and procurement. Adoption will also require approval by the Fort Smith Board of Directors and the Quorum Court.
2025 Fire Department Annual Report
The fire chief's annual report covers the department's 2025 response activity and operations.
Grant applications for 911 center and public safety communications
Two grant applications would fund the River Valley Communications Center: up to $10 million from the DOT for a new 911 facility (needing a $2 million local match from 911 funds) and $300,000 from the DOJ for radio interoperability equipment with no local match.
Park restroom vandalism
A broken breaker box at Tilles Park posed an electrocution risk and took weeks to fix while staff juggle competing priorities. Staff say cameras don't solve it — the vandalism is a years-long, citywide battle that keeps nice restrooms closed.
Citizens Forum rule changes
Changes are coming to how residents address the board: Citizens Forum would move to the beginning of each regular meeting, allow any topic, and give each speaker 3 minutes. An ordinance goes up April 21.
Emergency vehicle access on narrow dead-end street
Three new rental homes are going up at the end of a narrow road with deep ditches that doesn't connect through. Fire trucks need a turnaround, which is why the owner asked to pave more of the front yard than normally allowed. It's a trade-off between a bit more pavement and faster emergency response.
Non-Ambulatory Transportation Franchise Renewal
The city was set to renew the franchise of Non-Ambulatory Transportation Service for five more years, keeping specialized rides for elderly and disabled residents through 2031.
Radio system backup and AWIN Phase 2 compliance
Board members questioned why aging backup radio consolettes from 2008 are being replaced when they might still work. The director explained AWIN requires Phase 2 compliance by 2031 and the unified center needs a bigger backup footprint for multiple agencies.
Mosquito fogging reinstatement
Residents have pushed to bring back mosquito fogging. Directors Rego and Good placed an item on the March 17 agenda to act on it.
Reinstatement of mosquito fogging
The city stopped mosquito fogging in April 2025 and got plenty of complaints. Directors Rego and Good asked to bring it back, with fogging running May 1 through at least September 30 each year plus larvicide giveaways for standing water.
Security lighting in alleyways
Directors wanted better lighting in alleys for safety, but a citywide install costs too much. The Board steered toward a pilot program in high-crime areas identified by police.
Police Vehicle Fleet Purchases
Four separate resolutions would buy more than half a million dollars in police vehicles — SUVs, trucks, and K9 units — using 1/8-cent sales tax money.
Next Step Homeless Services facility
All $6.1 million for the tiny homes facility at South 6th and South I has been raised, with groundbreaking expected within months and 12-16 months of construction to follow.
Gas well noise in the neighborhood
Neighbors say a producing gas well exceeds city noise limits and that promised legal action hasn't materialized. Staff confirmed the well is in violation and the case has gone to the city prosecutor.
Dispatcher personnel transition
Sebastian County dispatchers must decide by mid-March whether to become Fort Smith employees, with seniority dates preserved and day-one insurance coverage. About 6-8 are expected to transfer; post-consolidation staffing will be 28 telecommunicators and 6 supervisors.