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.
Cybersecurity event update
Multiple residents pressed the board to disclose the scope of the cyberattack — whether employee and resident data is exposed, whether police reports and court records are inaccessible, and who is accountable. The board has stayed silent for over a month, and the administrator only promised a public statement "at some point."
Police and Fire Compensation Crisis
The fire chief documented that Fort Smith firefighters are the lowest paid of ten comparable Arkansas departments at every rank, and the department is losing experienced personnel to Fayetteville. Directors signaled strong support for funding the full proposed increase in the 2027 budget.
Consent Decree modification and sewer deadline extension
The federal consent decree deal would extend the sewer work deadline 11.5 years to 2038 — but it locks in 3.5% annual sewer rate hikes through 2030 and beyond as needed. Staff say the flexibility and compliance benefits outweigh the costs.
Race Track Road water line improvements
A $1.37 million contract with Square One Enterprises would build a new 8-inch water line and pressure reducing station along Race Track Road, improving water service in that corridor.
2026 Water Capital Improvement Plan, Phase II
The board was scheduled to accept the city's prioritized 2026 capital improvement plan for the water system, guiding which water infrastructure projects get built.
Consent Decree modification and sewer deadline extension
The federal government proposed extending Fort Smith's sewer repair deadline by 11.5 years, to June 2038. The deal locks in 3.5% annual sewer rate increases through 2030 and requires a financial management plan. A resolution could come before the board March 3.
Sewer System Funding
The city loses roughly 36% of its water, peak-day demand hits capacity limits by 2027, and the transmission line plus plant upgrades could top $370 million — with zero dollars identified beyond 2026. Staff warn the system operates in crisis mode and one more failure could mean a Jackson, Mississippi-style catastrophe.
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.
Switch from ProPhoenix to CentralSquare dispatch system
The River Valley Communication Center and Police Department need a new CAD/records system. A funding resolution goes before the Board on July 7.