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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.