Board adopts ordinance setting new pay scale for licensed professional engineers

The Fort Smith Board of Directors on July 22 adopted an ordinance establishing pay rates and procedures for licensed professional engineers after staff described recruitment and retention challenges in engineering positions.

Acting Director of Human Resources Eric Garban told the board the city has struggled to compete for licensed engineers and the new pay schedule recognizes the specialized market rates for licensed professional engineers. “The engineering pay structure would become effective 07/21/2025 and establishes a separate professional engineer license,” Garban said. He added that the funds to cover the change were incorporated in the 2025 budget.

Board members praised the administration's work to address staffing shortages and discussed mentoring and career progression for new hires. Director Rigo thanked staff and asked that supervisors support engineers' development so hires stay with the city. Director Settle asked whether the plan included pathways for new graduates; Garban clarified the E‑1 training classification is designed for recent graduates without experience and provides time for them to obtain a professional engineer license.

The ordinance passed on roll call with seven yes votes. Staff said implementation will begin July 21, 2025 and that the pay change is intended to improve recruitment and retention of licensed engineers.