Fort Smith · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fort Smith public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Political sign handling at city facilities
Director Christina Catsavis said a candidate's sign was removed and displayed inside Creekmore during early voting, and asked staff to draft a policy keeping removed signs out of polling places and city buildings.
Transparency dashboard for CIP projects
A resident proposed a plain-language, ward-by-ward online dashboard showing where CIP money goes — saying the city already owns the mapping software and it would rebuild public trust before any future tax ask.
Civic engagement programs
The city reviewed its Trailblazer 101 Citizens Academy and a proposed 'Citizens First: The American System' participation model for getting residents more involved.
Driveway paving limits on small cul-de-sac lots in PZD subdivisions
The city caps concrete in residential front yards at 40%, but this homeowner wants 50% so fire trucks can turn around on his property. It's a trade-off between neighborhood green space/appearance rules and emergency response practicality.
Honorary street designations for Madison Marsh and Judge Jim Spears
The Board was set to name parts of Gary Street and Riverfront Drive after Fort Smith figures: Miss America and Air Force officer Madison Marsh, and the late Judge Jim Spears, who helped land the U.S. Marshals Museum.
Bobby Crabtree Boulevard Designation
A stretch of Towson Avenue would be renamed in honor of Bobby Crabtree.
Creekmore Park Tennis Center operations
The Western Arkansas Tennis Association, which has run the city tennis center since 2003, was in line for a new five-year agreement to keep operating it.
Girl Scouts Artwork at Creekmore Pumphouse
The city hired MAHG Architecture for $145,520 to design the pool pump house renovation at Creekmore Park, paid from the 1/8% parks sales tax.
Water billing units: CCF vs. gallons
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.
Creekmore Park pool pump house renovation
The city hired MAHG Architecture for $145,520 to design the pool pump house renovation at Creekmore Park, paid from the 1/8% parks sales tax.
Spradling Avenue Extension Phase 2 engineering
An $83,230 contract amendment with Hawkins-Weir Engineers moves the Spradling Avenue Extension Phase 2 road project into final design.
Solid Waste Services building addition
A $934,518 contract with Goodwin & Goodwin, Inc. would build an addition to the Solid Waste Services Administration Building.
New nursery school and private school options for families
Two new school options won approval: a 15-child nursery school off Wells Lake Road and a two-day-a-week supplemental school for homeschool families on South 16th Street, capped at 35 students a day.
Manus Easement Settlement
The city planned to settle a lawsuit over easements for the Lake Fort Smith Water Transmission Line for $11,000.
St. Francis Crest residence setbacks and drainage
A large new single-family home with garage and pool house won reduced front-yard setbacks and double-frontage driveway access after a neighborhood architectural committee member raised aesthetic and drainage concerns on behalf of residents.
Cemetery operations update
Directors asked for a future update on Rose Lawn, Holy Cross, and Forrest Park cemeteries.
Insurance Proceeds Appropriation
Insurance payouts would be spread across several city departments through a 2026 budget amendment.
Regional Art Museum expansion plan
The museum, at the gateway to the district, is pursuing national accreditation and an $8–10 million expansion, testing a $15 million fundraising goal with a feasibility study due in September.
Friendship Pact with Lask, Poland
A resolution would formalize a Friendship Pact between Fort Smith and Lask, Poland, recognizing the Polish Air Force pilots who trained on F-35s at Ebbing Air National Guard Base and fly out of Lask Air Base.
First quarter 2026 budget performance
The city's chief financial officer showed how spending and revenues tracked from January through March 2026. It was informational — no action needed.
Vacancy on the Civil Service Commission
The commission still has an empty seat and no new applications have come in. The city will readvertise the position to try to fill it.