[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6577817,"mediaKeyId","3093090-636972a7a989fc4f6ea95c8abfbc0793","parentId",3093090,"title","Fort Smith departments propose cuts and adjustments; board advances review of mosquito spraying, recycling costs and transit projects","audioSeconds",312,"startMs",3002000,"endMs",3314000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3093090-636972a7a989fc4f6ea95c8abfbc0793&start=3002&end=3314","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3093090-636972a7a989fc4f6ea95c8abfbc0793/thumbnail_3002000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6577817/Fort-Smith/Sebastian-County/Arkansas/Fort-Smith-departments-propose-cuts-and-adjustments-board-advances-review-of-mosquito-spraying-recycling-costs-and-transit-projects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577817-8ef8ee9a022495dd2b71374b705912ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1775391084&Signature=Juyan9PoQDfUmJErOD3J1et0ZQY6THEnvUI6BzEwW-dnGuIZegSC4Z1tSU0tqYR8YbdlZQ8xuR0~ei-NWzujYBGouvtirIz2GOdEyPHluneLzcWSgk-VmPZ1f7rax6J12GdZptwjXGlBOPAopIlcep1D5BwvbtiZn545FZzsrU1DeCYCGblyuIfVl7GAJbWLpxfK84mg8cGCfh9bvxTF1c37A~xPAB-7TVYZhCvucY3cNza-GOUGjL7S1GmgpwgQ7DIgu0UNAZjII6H4DGI8~lN2TaS8sl8G1ZeF49gP6aHnBsZzWAsKVBFtL283DzX0-jrzkoeCLA76sbddVUmjPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fort Smith","date","2025-04-22T18:04:00Z","article","City department heads presented proposed operating reductions and program clarifications as part of Fort Smith’s effort to identify budget savings for 2025.

Solid Waste: Director Duane McDonald told the board his department identified approximately $655,000 in reductions from a $16.2 million budget (about 4% of total budget or 7.6% of operating budget by one calculation). McDonald explained recycling disposal and transportation costs have risen after a fire at a local processor (Mark Recycling), forcing the city to bale and ship material out of state. That change increased recycling costs by roughly $175,000 for the remainder of the year. McDonald said alternatives closer to Fort Smith were sought but did not provide a lower‑cost option. He noted the department’s fund balance and said some savings could be reserved for storm response or capital needs.

Streets and Traffic Control: Director Matt Meeker proposed a 10.2% department‑wide cut totaling $1,111,656. Proposed measures include freezing nine open full‑time positions (five equipment operators, three traffic signal specialists, one traffic signal maintenance role), freezing two seasonal positions that handle mosquito spraying and eliminating the city’s mosquito spraying program (staff estimated the spraying program cost about $73,000). Directors discussed health, safety and community concerns; one director moved to eliminate mosquito spraying and a second was recorded. Board members noted that ending spraying would require an ordinance or resolution and public comment at a future meeting.

Recycling and waste removal: McDonald said that Mark Recycling’s Rogers facility burned in late 2024, increasing out‑of‑state transport costs. He said reducing collection frequency would not meaningfully lower the added costs because the higher expense occurs after delivery to the processor.

Transit: Ken Savage and Lori Carr presented a 13% proposed reduction ($446,000) in transit operating costs resulting mainly from pausing an anticipated service expansion that had included two driver positions and related operating expenses. Savage also raised a capital matter: a planned industrial access road required a rail runaround to meet Federal Railroad Administration safety requirements. An estimate for the runaround was $860,000; Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding could cover 80%, leaving an approximate local share of $86,000 if the A & M railroad contributes 10% of the non‑federal match as discussed. Directors asked staff to supply a one‑page worksheet with service expansion costs, projected ridership and the federal‑match implications.

Fire: Chief Waters presented about $378,000 in suggested cuts across three programs, largely from delaying nonessential purchases and using recent grant funding for required medical physicals; he said no proposed cuts would reduce firefighter safety or response capability. Board members asked staff to prepare a modest line item for station supplies and to ensure essential equipment (for example, extrication tools and bunker gear) is replaced when it fails or reaches end of life.

Next steps: Administration said it asked larger departments to aim for a 10% operating reduction and smaller single‑program departments to aim for about 5%. Directors said staff would consolidate recommended reductions and bring a consolidated budget amendment back to the board for consideration, with the aim of preparing material for a May regular meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fort Smith - Board of Directors - Special Meeting & Study Session - Apr 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City department leaders presented proposed operating cuts across solid waste, streets, transit and fire as part of a citywide fiscal review; the board directed follow‑up on several items including recycling costs, a federally funded rail runaround and eliminating mosquito spraying.","taxTitle","Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas","taxId",3748,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577821,"Convention center posts growth in events but seeks budget changes; board directs work on parking and catering agreements",1308,1523000,2831000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3093090-636972a7a989fc4f6ea95c8abfbc0793&start=1523&end=2831","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3093090-636972a7a989fc4f6ea95c8abfbc0793/thumbnail_1523000.jpg","/articles/6577821/Fort-Smith/Sebastian-County/Arkansas/Convention-center-posts-growth-in-events-but-seeks-budget-changes-board-directs-work-on-parking-and-catering-agreements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577821-fc844577509eb52c6d78cdce59e9fca8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775391084&Signature=nH7aB-Vs5UvyY6lcgPAutnW0DY9biQleNAtWZbm4gR7WWdTjCzDV6hrL42M0nddf2Ig7kLsJMPQp~G6ZZWdq20NItpwFpszU~OrLHH6jjA4UhZQqS4~6e49MKrdTQ2B6VfcV~3SeN7zCPV1d0X5NH2jj0gYekSYMMieN5BN15rfjFegJB6sjn2oCzvIj294-9hi~nyzjr2BQE0vIEysMD~vh4VvnhZaG9UUZNnI~y0AKvWfbRlzdOYoElfUCuTSk89fZzWWi7xP5yugD60fWKw5x1K8ix3n8EFknaPfVL5ECItKMTeZO~q7rSouuYLPIOa3iq4UQSQCRaviz7IsCRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shannon Davis, general manager for the Fort Smith Convention Center (operated by Oakview Group), presented the center’s 2024 year‑end report and a 2025 operating budget that included a requested 5.13% reduction (roughly $47,620). Davis said the center hosted 108 events in 2024 with 58,280 attendees and noted it achieved its budget targets for the first time, reporting gross profit and operating results that compared favorably with budget assumptions.

Davis described major maintenance and capital work in 2024 — storm repairs, HVAC and roof work after hail damage, Wi‑Fi upgrades and new restroom dispensers — and highlighted signature events that drew regional audiences. She said food and service feedback was positive and that concessions revenue and some operational revenues grew year over year.

Board discussion focused on two budget issues: potential paid parking to generate revenue and the convention center’s outside‑catering restrictions. Directors noted parking models used by other cities and referenced a prior study that estimated potential annual parking revenue at a modest rate (examples discussed: $10 per space producing an estimated ~$129,650). The board directed staff to pursue an updated parking proposal and report back.

On catering, staff explained current contract language allows the center to cater off‑site only when the client is also using a room in the facility; the city’s existing agreement prevents the center from pursuing outside catering contracts that would compete with local businesses. Directors asked legal and administration to revisit the catering restriction and to present changes for study‑session consideration. The board also discussed modifying Oakview Group’s renewal terms to provide longer renewal periods for contract stability; staff said a proposal to change renewal terms would be prepared for consideration.

Directors moved to have staff and legal draft refined parking and catering proposals and bring those issues back to a future study session for board review.","Oakview‑operated Fort Smith Convention Center reported 108 events and 58,280 attendees in 2024, improved operational metrics, and presented a proposed 5.13% reduction in the 2025 operating budget. Directors asked staff to pursue parking revenue options and revisit outside‑catering limitations with legal and administration.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577825,"Fort Smith revisits proposed ordinance on sleeping and camping on public property; sends draft to city attorney for revisions",1073,414000,1487000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3093090-636972a7a989fc4f6ea95c8abfbc0793&start=414&end=1487","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3093090-636972a7a989fc4f6ea95c8abfbc0793/thumbnail_414000.jpg","/articles/6577825/Fort-Smith/Sebastian-County/Arkansas/Fort-Smith-revisits-proposed-ordinance-on-sleeping-and-camping-on-public-property-sends-draft-to-city-attorney-for-revisions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577825-9c1c23f841cdb4d0bd14690a248a404a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775391084&Signature=niztObpbvgjoR6SRCrQd~Sgx1gpwjGjmc0NV3wu7UEdf8xnoCewiV~jRuqE7n021MgH-Uh9LRAeWdVhn7aVWq9J0JSZN1ifH3KQOVX0ntbpcxAMrKCBPepQqpzv9UBi-pVM~WbnyhSNHdb5-ZadukWCaNGez6LHXSTLMFP6Z7XssUGLo81i1AeJntVG~azNid8DNZ14z6e5uZ08iMqKSKvB~zYCLlnJGR8qtvGf9BptPiL6bhOS2bGvQfRL8xazJlnpuZd2NAwy9k4pGzUWqgypDAQXIhIQQOgqUSGUJ4z~98a4KMTYKTCrjHiESQp9I0xOMSCSFFkkXl-GQnQr0tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Smith board reviewed a proposed ordinance that would prohibit sleeping and camping on sidewalks and other public property, a topic the board previously considered in December 2024 and again at a March 11 study session. Sean Gard, director of Neighborhood Services, summarized enforcement concerns and explained the city attorney had reviewed an alternate draft from Director Lee Kemp and warned that some language could be vulnerable to legal challenge as vague.

Gard said nuisance ordinances currently cover camping materials such as tents and tarps but do not specifically prohibit the act of sleeping on public sidewalks; he described recurring encampments and daily incidents of people sleeping in building foyers and alcoves. Gard also described a recent cleanup at a site near the Next Step Day Room where a contractor provided pro‑bono clearing assistance and paid some people to help.

Police Chief (surname not specified) told directors that his staff reviewed the proposed ordinance and raised legal and enforcement concerns similar to those noted by City Attorney Colby Rowe. Chief Baker (as identified) said existing criminal trespass statutes cover sleeping on private property when owners have posted or objected, but the proposed public‑space prohibition would need clearer drafting to withstand court challenge.

Directors debated the balance between enforcement and services. Director Christina Kitsavas and others urged involvement from local nonprofits such as Hope Campus; Director Lee Kemp said the intention of his draft was “service based” and not meant to criminalize homelessness. Several directors asked Rowe to add clarifying language and resolve apparent internal inconsistencies between sections; the board agreed to send the draft back to Rowe for revision and to revisit the item after budget discussions and further legal edits.

No ordinance vote occurred at the meeting. Board members said they want the final draft to be concise, enforceable, and consistent with constitutional requirements and local service capacity before any formal adoption attempt.","City staff and directors debated a proposed ordinance modeled on Grants Pass, Ore., that would prohibit sleeping and camping on public property. Directors instructed City Attorney Colby Rowe to review and refine language to address vagueness and constitutional risk before the board considers it again.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577831,"Board reviews Community Development Advisory Committee recommendations for CDBG and HOME funds",172,224000,396000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3093090-636972a7a989fc4f6ea95c8abfbc0793&start=224&end=396","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3093090-636972a7a989fc4f6ea95c8abfbc0793/thumbnail_224000.jpg","/articles/6577831/Fort-Smith/Sebastian-County/Arkansas/Board-reviews-Community-Development-Advisory-Committee-recommendations-for-CDBG-and-HOME-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577831-3df018b063e5096684f6404b9515cead/orig.mp4?Expires=1775391084&Signature=ViER3zs0TZQmxBv~9zoIcXH0Pj0G2tB9aj8CYTqK~eRen~zAJRWS36hCa7Oj8SH2uTKR0t~2LcUOwWERO5pMRuEI-Alc1Sdpw0MsvIjOAGl49uSAe3qqMZ3gWQ1zyK5bsVoWFM4BMdRdNQTkbHQJDcB4UVEnhQUcjnWHjNbXpHLO4WQR1T3cML3ImSaCIH13e64GWvPM-mDYZ~HRylKIOamCIHnxeaWyCrXD4mMMO-QLnEZ-jI6t8zvXuZQgXvPAo5oqur2BP9Q~AXsMeYvpNGg57mOfKLjPDfGTXOgXlMMXS2AD~60c5ZVHUQhAcotj4DoN3c9mxegbiKvI6KweYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Smith Board of Directors received a presentation on project recommendations from the Community Development Advisory Committee for Year 51 of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and Year 32 of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). Candice Gabucci, Director of Community Development, told the board that the committee held three public hearings and that staff set conservative funding estimates while HUD allocations remained unannounced.

Gabucci said staff is using flat funding assumptions while awaiting final federal numbers: $780,000 for CDBG and $360,000 for HOME in fiscal year 2025. She noted this will be the final year of the current five‑year plan and that the city has started an RFP process to select a consultant for the next five‑year plan, with outreach and public meetings expected to begin in early summer after consultant selection.

Director Kevin Settle asked when board input and public meetings would begin; Gabucci said the process would start once a consultant is onboarded, likely at the beginning of summer. Board members expressed appreciation for the committee’s work. The board moved and seconded a motion to place the item on the May 6 regular meeting agenda for consideration; the motion carried and the item will return for a formal vote.

No public comments were recorded on the CDBG/HOME recommendation item at this meeting. The presentation emphasized conservative budgeting pending HUD allocations and the upcoming RFP and community engagement for a new five‑year consolidated plan.","Fort Smith staff presented the Community Development Advisory Committee’s funding recommendations for Year 51 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Year 32 HOME program; board voted to place the item on the May 6 agenda for action and to begin a five‑year plan procurement process.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577834,"Fort Smith board confirms Rebecca Cowan as director of internal audit",76,111000,187000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3093090-636972a7a989fc4f6ea95c8abfbc0793&start=111&end=187","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3093090-636972a7a989fc4f6ea95c8abfbc0793/thumbnail_111000.jpg","/articles/6577834/Fort-Smith/Sebastian-County/Arkansas/Fort-Smith-board-confirms-Rebecca-Cowan-as-director-of-internal-audit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577834-62eb562efad05e22ecd1627e6e3b25db/orig.mp4?Expires=1775391084&Signature=CNmKCLm9RISK4oDgEo4IektIaAnSVjzLZjdkdgBXZaSFX4jewwJGzAw~NAlpk6FvBAbSfqABG5gtzWvH--N9yWiieGEMwty6RDv5qpkBJkFAnzVkVucpV8gY~JbrlNAEmF12i9fz4jm58M7kHek23gbwV~XRbhKzkAxUCt-dJhY7jQ2QBfk3MDpSjNAYV-bRuP9yHs9jMxoEsN87rKC3Kn7k2q9cwUJGwoR5DViPbKdJCARgGHN4fOzodsbE7r5czZRLOFA9H5MS9fHRGV7eG1EI99x8OD~KD30NuQ5QVVt7f-AVfZdlixUNz1~vdn7geB53bOsEa291fwkFU0qIXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Smith Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution confirming the appointment of Rebecca Cowan as the city’s director of internal audit and authorized the mayor to execute an at‑will employment agreement. The vote was taken at the board’s special meeting and study session held in April 2025.

City staff said the board had convened into executive session to consider the appointment before returning to the public meeting to vote on the resolution. No public commenters signed up on the item before the vote. A motion to approve the hiring of Cowan was made and seconded; the clerk called the roll and the motion passed 7–0.

Board members offered brief remarks welcoming Cowan. One director said, “We’re very impressed with Ms. Cowan and look forward to working with her on this very, very, important role for the city.” The board asked Cowan to stand and greet attendees after the vote.

The resolution authorizes an at‑will employment agreement; the city administrator reported there were no additional changes from the meeting memo. The board did not discuss terms of the agreement in public beyond authorizing the mayor to execute it.

The appointment concludes the executive‑session portion of the special meeting and returns the board to study‑session business.","The Fort Smith Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Rebecca Cowan as the city’s director of internal audit and authorized the mayor to sign an at-will employment agreement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fort Smith departments propose cuts and adjustments; board advances review of mosquito spraying, recycling costs and transit projects

Convention center posts growth in events but seeks budget changes; board directs work on parking and catering agreements

Fort Smith revisits proposed ordinance on sleeping and camping on public property; sends draft to city attorney for revisions

Board reviews Community Development Advisory Committee recommendations for CDBG and HOME funds

Fort Smith board confirms Rebecca Cowan as director of internal audit