Fort Smith · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fort Smith public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Comprehensive plan update and Future Fort Smith
The committee is digging into the top 10 goals for Fort Smith's Comprehensive Plan and how the revision process will unfold. This document guides how the city grows — zoning, infrastructure, parks and more — so the goals picked here ripple into everything.
Firefighter compensation
The board adopted an average 13.7% raise for uniformed firefighters for 2027 and, after advocates pushed, made it effective January 1 instead of April. Speakers said the city has been losing trained firefighters to Northwest Arkansas departments.
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 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.
Federal Wastewater Consent Decree program management
The board approved a trimmed-down $2.256 million, one-year contract with Arcadis to manage the federal wastewater consent decree — down $218,000 from the first proposal but still splitting the board 4-3.
Data center zoning regulations
Residents handed the Board Fayetteville's data center ordinance as a model and flagged Arkansas laws (Act 851, 373, 548) that limit local bans, allow construction-work-in-progress charges, and give developers sales tax breaks — urging strong protective language in Fort Smith's draft ordinance.
Parrot Island Waterpark financial reporting oversight
The board was scheduled to hire Forvis Mazars to audit the city-owned waterpark's finances.
City Administrator Contract
Speakers blasted the 2027 budget for giving top administrators large raises — including another $15,000 for a city administrator already at $215,000 — while firefighters have gone roughly five years without a significant raise.
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.
Interlocal Agreement Cost-Sharing Changes
The board is weighing changes to the interlocal agreement covering purchasing procedures and the 69.7%/30.3% funding split between Fort Smith and Sebastian County, plus whether smaller municipalities should help pay. Draft bylaws are coming in March.
2027 RVCC Budget and Municipal Cost-Sharing
The committee was scheduled to hear from Dr. Wes Milam, director of the regional 911 communications center. Dispatch capacity and funding affect how quickly police, fire, and EMS respond across the Fort Smith area.
Mayoral Election
Fort Smith voters have seven mayoral candidates to sort through, and this KNWA FOX24 rundown gives a side-by-side look at who they are and what they stand for. It’s a shortcut for comparing the field before casting a ballot. The next mayor will shape city spending, services, and priorities.
Cybersecurity event and internal auditor evaluation
The board heard a closed-session update on the city's cybersecurity incident and evaluated the Internal Auditor, taking no action on either.
Maybranch Greenway connection approved as sharrows
The city was set to accept a $2.44 million federal grant to build the first phase of the May Branch Railroad Trail connecting Martin Luther King Jr. Park to the river levee trails — with an equal city match.
Single-bid controversy on Z003 sewer project
The city opened a sole $5.5 million bid that came in 19% over estimate, then tried to reject it — prompting a legal threat from the contractor. The episode exposed gaps in the city's bid-opening procedures and advertising practices, and led to a tabled item and negotiation directive.
Water Quality Warning
Fort Smith issued a water warning because auto fluids may have contaminated the city water supply. If you're on city water, pay attention to official advisories before drinking or using tap water. Details are still thin, so watch for updates.
Local Election
Three candidates are running for the Fort Smith Board of Directors Position 6 seat, which helps set local policy and city budgets. Voters will decide who represents them on the city board, so the race is about who gets a say in Fort Smith decisions.
Data center regulations in Fort Smith
Residents pressed the board to strengthen the draft data center ordinance, arguing state law doesn't prevent stricter local rules and warning about water and power demands of hyperscale facilities.
Mayoral Candidate Forum
Fort Smith mayoral candidates just faced off over city spending, whether to change the form of government, and Flock surveillance cameras. These are the issues that could shape how your city is run after the election. If you care about taxes, local control, or privacy, this race is worth watching.
Ward 3 hot mix asphalt plant
Residents say an asphalt plant near a school and daycare is polluting air and stormwater, has an air violation, and is seeking answers about permits and accountability.
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.
City Board Candidate Forum
Fort Smith board candidates are debating whether to change the city’s form of government and how to handle downtown development. Those choices could reshape local elections and spending for years, so the forum is your chance to see where candidates stand before voting.
Dilapidated structure enforcement and vacant-home squatting
An ordinance would order owners of four substandard houses to demolish them, or authorize the city to do the demolition. It's a neighborhood-blight issue affecting property values and safety on Blair Avenue, Rowe Avenue, North 9th Street, and South K Street.
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.
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.
Mayoral Debate
Fort Smith’s mayoral candidates went head-to-head over the city’s big issues before Election Day. If you vote in Fort Smith, it’s worth watching to see where the candidates actually stand. The debate itself doesn’t change policy, but it helps you make a more informed choice.
Downtown development services agreement with 64.6 Downtown
The city is considering a deal with 64.6 Downtown (Main Street Fort Smith) to provide downtown development services and run the Arkansas Main Street Program. It was tabled for more review and now heads to the February 3 agenda for a vote.
Citywide Ballot Measure
Fort Smith voters will decide a citywide ballot measure that could flip a major local election-related decision—but the source is vague about what exactly would change. If you live in Fort Smith, this is worth watching because the outcome could reshape how the city handles something significant.
2025 Compensation and Classification Study
Dan Williams told the board the city's turnover rate is 21% against an 18% goal, arguing that every departure wastes tax dollars and slows services. He called for career paths, better tools, and a culture where employees feel safe speaking up.
Consent Decree Program Management (Arcadis)
The city is hiring a national firm to manage the remaining nine years of federally mandated sewer work, funded by up to $385 million in sales tax bonds. Directors questioned whether the $2.474M first-year price will pay for itself in savings and accountability.
Post-consolidation staffing and revenue pressures
Budget cuts at the start of 2026 eliminated police officer positions and an entire fire engine company at Chaffee Crossing. Police are nearly fully staffed but leaning on overtime; restoring the fire company would take nine hires, a million-dollar truck, and two to three years. The chiefs say another big weekend like the recent chemical spill, homicide, and rally could push departments past capacity.
2017 SSA Remedial Measures sewer projects and consent decree compliance
Several resolutions advanced the city's federally driven sewer work: easement purchases in three sub-basins, a change order cutting over $1 million from the pipe-bursting contract, and a final payment closing out that project. Utility customers fund this through the 5/8% sales tax and bond funds.
Massard Water Reclamation Facility Improvements (Project No. 25-15-ED1)
A $8.575 million engineering contract with Garver, LLC for upgrades to the Massard wastewater treatment facility was back on the agenda after being tabled May 19. Directors Lee Kemp and Andre Good had pushed for further discussion at a study session.
Mercy Health bond financing for Fort Smith hospital expansion
Mercy Health wants the city's sign-off on up to $212 million in tax-exempt bond proceeds for its Fort Smith facilities, including a big emergency department and ICU expansion. It's an IRS formality — no city liability — but it clears the way for major local healthcare investment.
Downtown graffiti and public safety
Police report more proactive contacts downtown and less vacancy, while the community survey of 1,200 people shows perceived safety is tied more to how downtown looks — vacant storefronts, visible homelessness — than to crime stats. Live music was the top want across all ages.
Denali lagoon-cleaning contract and competitive bidding concerns
The city awarded a $919,000 lagoon-cleaning contract to Denali Water Solutions even though it was the only bidder, prompting residents to demand broader outreach to firms serving other Arkansas cities. Staff committed to bidding next year's lagoon work earlier, advertising more widely, and contacting companies residents identified.
Cisterna Park Project
The board is planning a major renovation of Cisterna Park, possibly incorporating the General Darby statue and monument elements from Cisterna, Italy, and other Darby-connected towns. New concepts from MAHG architects are expected in early October, with costs possibly around $1 to $1.5 million.
Utility billing audit and $0 bills mystery
The Board looked at switching water bills from CCF (hundred cubic feet) to gallons so bills are easier to understand. It's on hold — every meter in the city would need replacing, and that costs serious money.
Future of Deer Trails Golf Course
The board declined to buy the golf course but showed interest in rezoning it so it can only be used as a golf course — a way to preserve the amenity without a public purchase. Residents were split, with some opposing any city takeover of a money-losing operation.
City Network Security Outage
Director George Catsavis pressed for a public statement about the recent cybersecurity incident affecting the city. The city administrator said a statement will come 'at some point,' but no timeline was given.
City System Cyberattack
Director George Catsavis pressed for a public statement about the recent cybersecurity incident affecting the city. The city administrator said a statement will come 'at some point,' but no timeline was given.
Sunday alcohol sales ordinance
Residents who want to buy alcohol on Sundays in Fort Smith can't get that question on a ballot through the Board — only through a citizen-led petition. It would take 3,120 signatures of qualified electors to force a vote.
Rezoning requests for North 32nd Street, Vicksburg Street, Kelley Highway, and Massard Road
Four zoning changes were lined up, two converting industrial land to apartment zoning and one turning a multifamily parcel on Massard Road into neighborhood commercial — shaping what gets built where in these corridors.
Oversight of City-Funded Outside Entities
The committee wants financial reports from groups the city helps fund — Parrot Island, the Convention Center, and FSAH — routed to Internal Audit so someone with financial expertise reviews them consistently and nothing falls through the cracks.
Special election on changing Fort Smith's form of government
The board was scheduled to consider once more whether to put a November 3, 2026 ballot question to voters on switching from a city administrator to a mayor-council form of government. It has failed 3-3-1 twice already this year.
City Administrator Appointment
A divided board started contract negotiations with Acting City Administrator Jeff Dingman for the permanent job — a 4-3 split that signals real disagreement about the city's top leadership pick.
Sanitary sewer remediation program funding
The board approved roughly $11 million in contracts, change orders, and engineering for ongoing sanitary sewer fixes required under the federal consent decree — work funded by sales tax and 2025 bonds.
Bailey Hill Redevelopment Project assistance
A $1 million commitment from the budgeted Sales Tax Program would help fund the Housing Authority's Bailey Hill Redevelopment Project. The item was tabled in June and brought back for this meeting.
Change in form of government on the November 2026 ballot
The Board is moving an ordinance to the August 18 agenda that would send a change in Fort Smith's form of government to voters this November.
Mayoral Election Candidates
Seven people are officially running for Fort Smith mayor, and the winner will help set the city’s budget, growth plans, and overall direction. Translation: this race is a big deal for anyone who cares about local taxes, services, and where the city is headed.