Agenda Highlights 9/2/25
At the Fort Smith Board of Directors meeting scheduled for 9-2-25, the Board will vote on zoning changes for 1400 and 1404 South 11th to allow the undeveloped lot to be developed with 2 duplexes.
The Board will vote on zoning changes for 5200-5226 South 33rd to allow for the undeveloped lot to be developed with 7 duplexes.
The Board will vote on whether to deed the former Bost building property at 1801 South 74th back to Methodist Village. The property was donated by Methodist Village to the City in 1966 as a vacant lot with intention of the property being for Bost to build their facility on. The property was deeded to Bost by the City and Bost built the building and operated on the site until 2024. Then per the original deed terms the property reverted back to City ownership when Bost was no longer operating on the site. So the property is currently City owned. Methodist Village would like the property back and intends to operate a daycare center there.
The Board will vote on hiring Amanda Strange to be the new Director of Internal Audit. The position has a salary of $115,000.08 per year.
The Board will vote on a Mission Statement, Vision Statement, Values Statements and Strategic Priorities for the City of Fort Smith.
The new Mission Statement would be “The City of Fort Smith is committed to providing resident-focused services, maintaining reliable infrastructure, and creating an environment that fosters economic advancement and a thriving community.” The Vision Statement would remain the same as the current one, “Fort Smith strives to be a dynamic, business, family, and military friendly destination that welcomes people from all over the world.”
The Values Statements would be
Safety – We seek to continuously improve the safety of all areas of the city. We value a safe environment for all residents, employees, and visitors.
Quality Core Services - We work to deliver the highest quality services to our residents, customers, and visitors. We endeavor to understand the needs of residents/visitors and treat everyone consistently, fairly, and responsively.
Quality of Life - We strive to implement policies that increase the attractiveness of our community to businesses and job creators to improve economic opportunity for all. Furthermore, we recognize the importance of supporting recreation, entertainment, and cultural amenities that make Fort Smith a destination for new and continuing investment.
Opportunity- We seek to provide a path for all citizens to capture their full potential by achieving their individual goals. The City of Fort Smith seeks to be a community filled with the spirit of growth, success, and fulfillment. Our desire is to nurture, retain, and attract talent to make a positive difference in our future.
Financial Responsibility – The City of Fort Smith is a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. Transparency, integrity, and honesty guide our financial conduct. We respect and recognize the importance of citizen-led accountability as well as outside audits to review our efforts.
Hard-working Community – Our citizens are persistent and willing to roll up their sleeves to do whatever it takes to put in the effort to provide for their families and improve the community. The City of Fort Smith celebrates the hard work, innovation, intelligence, and contributions our citizens make each and every day. We highlight and support the life-changing difference they make in our city.
The Strategic Priorities would include
Create a Military and Defense Industry Support Officer position
Host a Riverfront Development Summit before the end of 2025
Develop a new long-term infrastructure reinvestment policy during the 2026 budget cycle
Market Fort Smith to attract industry and tourism including developing an Economic Development Commission.
Reimagine the budget process including planning a budgetary workshop, establishing quarterly reviews, and creating a zero-based budget
Establish a Public Works Department by reorganizing the City staff regarding the Utilities, Engineering, and Streets departments.
The Board will vote on entering into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Fort Smith Public School District to allow them to access the federal grant money that they were awarded to perform noise mitigation improvements on Orr Learning Academy and Carnall Elementary to reduce the noise from military jets flying overhead. The grant is for $4,350,617. The City would pay $435,063 for the required local contribution, but the Fort Smith School District would pay that entire amount back to the City, resulting in no City funds being spent.
The Board will vote on contracting with Baker Tilly to perform an internal audit risk assessment for $25,000. The risk assessment would be completed in 2 months. The Board will vote on ending the contract with Baker Tilly for $10,000/month for outsourcing the Director of Internal Audit duties to them since a Director of Internal Audit will be hired.
The Board will vote on accepting bids for water and wastewater treatment chemicals from AR Lime Co, Brenntag Southwest, Carus LLC, Chemtrade Chemicals, Donau Carbon, Enviro Tech Chemical, Pennco Inc, Thatcher Company Inc, and USALCO.
The Board will vote on whether to extend the lease with American Tower for them to have a cell tower in Carol Ann Cross park for another 35 years. American Tower has leased for the tower from the City since 2014. The lease extension would come with a $13,000 up- front extension bonus and would over the course of the 35 years bring in a total of $805,985 in revenue for the City. American Tower also offered the City another option, a perpetual lease arrangement with a lump sum payment of $450,000. Chief Financial Officer Richards recommends the lease extension option that will bring in far more revenue over time than the perpetual lease with a lump sum option.
