Fort Smith · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fort Smith public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Goodwin & Goodwin sewer rehab contract
The city negotiated the sole bidder down $440,700 on a sewer rehab project after its bid came in 19% over the engineer's estimate — but one director warned the renegotiation sets a risky precedent.
B Street South Sewer Upgrades
A small contract amendment adds $10,700 and 115 days for engineering work on the B Street South sewer project, which is tied to the federal consent decree work.
Water and wastewater treatment plant maintenance
The city was set to spend $919,000 cleaning treatment plant lagoons and $78,822 replacing worn-out grit conveyors — routine but necessary work to keep drinking water and sewer service reliable.
Sewer basin remediation change orders
Two change orders under the consent-decree-related sewer work: $95,407 and 50 extra days with Forsgren, and $12,099 and 16 extra days with Patriot Utilities. These continue federally mandated sewer improvements funded by the 5/8% sales tax.
Bulk water fill station operations at Lake Fort Smith
Rural residents who haul water from the Lake Fort Smith fill station were worried it might close. Instead, the city is installing coin-operated machines so the honor-system cash box goes away but the water keeps flowing — 72 customers told the city they depend on it.
Water and sewer grant applications
The city is applying for state grant dollars to help pay for a lift station, water plant pumps and filter media, and a wastewater biosolids system.
Sanitary sewer consent-decree payment
Two sewer consent decree items were before the board: an $844,805 payment to Krapff-Reynolds and a $4,000 property acquisition for Sub-Basin P005 — part of the federally mandated sewer fixes.
Water Meter Replacement Funding Request
The city would ask Congressman Womack's office for FY2027 federal funding to replace water meters.
Solid waste fleet purchases
Nearly $2 million in garbage truck purchases — four residential and commercial trucks — were up for approval from the solid waste sinking fund.
Water and Sewer Utility Risk Assessment
A consultant study of the water and sewer departments ranked 17 functional areas by risk, with sewer system maintenance scoring highest. The findings directly shaped the 2026 audit plan.