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