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.
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.
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.
Lake Fort Smith Water Transmission Line Phase 2A1-2 federal funding request
Fort Smith is pulling in major federal dollars for water: $12 million from Senator Boozman for the Lake Fort Smith transmission line (no local match needed) and $3 million from HUD for neighborhood water lines. The transmission line repair overall is estimated at $300-500 million.