Fort Smith · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fort Smith public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
Parrot Island Waterpark financial reporting oversight
The board was scheduled to hire Forvis Mazars to audit the city-owned waterpark's finances.
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 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.
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.
2025 Compensation and Classification Study
Dan Williams told the board the city's turnover rate is 21% against an 18% goal, arguing that every departure wastes tax dollars and slows services. He called for career paths, better tools, and a culture where employees feel safe speaking up.
Oversight of City-Funded Outside Entities
The committee wants financial reports from groups the city helps fund — Parrot Island, the Convention Center, and FSAH — routed to Internal Audit so someone with financial expertise reviews them consistently and nothing falls through the cracks.
2025 City Financial Audit Results
The board was asked to accept the outside auditor's reports on the city's 2025 financial statements and federal grant and state compliance.
Injury leave policy for employees injured in the line of duty
The city proposed giving employees hospitalized after a workplace injury up to 18 months of paid leave, with medical bills covered for life. Staff say it would make Fort Smith a regional leader in employee benefits.
Year 52 CDBG and Year 33 HOME funding allocations
The city is deciding how to spend about $1.14 million in federal grant money for housing, public services, and community development. The CDBG allocation dropped $40,000 this year, so the committee prioritized high-impact projects serving low-income residents.
City Employee Pay Rates for 2026
The annual salary ordinance would give full-time city workers a 2.5% market adjustment and update police and fire pay scales starting April 12. It affects every household on the city payroll and shapes recruitment of officers and firefighters.
Third-party intermediary accountability ordinance
After the water slide deal where American Resort Management brokered a multi-million dollar purchase with no written contract, Director Christina Catsavis proposed requiring written agreements and disclosure from any third party influencing city transactions.