Fort Smith · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fort Smith public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Consent decree funding gap
Directors sparred over how to pay the remaining ~$250 million of consent decree and water infrastructure work — refinancing 2018 bonds, revenue bonds, or another sales tax. Staff committed the required financial management plan will be done by the January 19 deadline.
Wholesale surplus water agreement
A draft agreement to sell surplus water to non-retail (wholesale) users drew no objections, but directors want cost-share language for capital improvements and conservation enforcement added.