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.
Transparency dashboard for CIP projects
A resident proposed a plain-language, ward-by-ward online dashboard showing where CIP money goes — saying the city already owns the mapping software and it would rebuild public trust before any future tax ask.
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.
Auto and property insurance renewal
The board renewed its self-funded employee health coverage and a $84,544.72 cyber liability policy, the latter notable while the city recovers from a recent cyberattack.
Potential revenue enhancement options
Staff floated doubling the alcohol tax from 5% to 10% to fund the full firefighter raise, but not a single director supported it — restaurants and bars would have borne the cost.
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.