Directors request study session on comprehensive water plan after discussion of leaks and transmission-line costs

Several board members asked at the Sept. 2 meeting that the board hold a study session focused on a comprehensive water-infrastructure plan to address leaks, meter replacement and a proposed $585 million transmission-line project.

Director Christina Kasavage said the city faces multiple water needs — leaks, meter replacements and transmission capacity for growth — and recommended hiring outside expertise to develop a phased plan so the city can prioritize lower-cost actions that could delay or reduce the scale of large capital investments. "Maybe we're saving 500,000 gallons a day," she said, referencing satellite and other modern leak-detection approaches used by other cities.

Other directors noted long-standing discussion of the transmission-line project and emphasized that past boards deferred some work because of choices about revenue and rates. Director Good supported moving forward and said the city now has staff capacity and grant expertise to pursue projects the city did not pursue previously.

Staff said they would schedule a study session and review the capital-improvement plan (CIP) to identify opportunities to resequence or pause projects without jeopardizing regulatory milestones. Directors asked staff to include potential short-term leak-reduction measures, available technologies (including satellite detection), and implications for rates and consent-decree timelines.

Why it matters: Fort Smith utilities face near-term operational needs (leaks, meters) and long-term capital needs (transmission line). A comprehensive plan could help the city prioritize investments, seek grants, and manage rate impacts for water customers.

Next steps: Staff to schedule a dedicated study session, review the current CIP and present options for short-term leak detection, sequencing of projects and grant opportunities.