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Fort Smith Board extends downtown parking meter waiver, amends expiration to Aug. 1
Summary
After months of debate over whether to remove downtown parking meters permanently, the board approved a 30-day extension and then amended the resolution to extend the waiver through Aug. 1, 2025, while directing staff to return with longer-term policy options.
The Fort Smith Board of Directors on Jan. 7 voted to extend the temporary downtown parking meter fee waiver and amended the resolution to set a new expiration of Aug. 1, 2025.
Staff introduced the item noting the board had previously waived parking meter fees through Jan. 3 and was being asked to extend that waiver. No members of the public spoke on the item.
Board discussion focused on whether the waiver should be made permanent, whether the police department should update a prior study of impacts, and how to handle business requests for meter installation if meters are removed. Director Settle proposed amending the extension to July 1 and asked for time to craft permanent policy; Director Christina Gitsavas said a year without meters showed downtown parking had adequate capacity and said she would support complete removal.
After discussion the board amended the extension from Feb. 4 to Aug. 1, 2025, to give administration time to present options and, if requested, direct the police department to redo a parking study. The amendment and the resolution as amended passed on roll call 7–0.
Why it matters: The action preserves the current free-parking arrangement downtown through the summer while giving the city time to consider a permanent change and any policy to allow businesses to request paid parking if needed. The board also directed staff to return with options for replacing meters or creating targeted parking policies.
Outcome: Amendment to extend waiver to Aug. 1, 2025 — adopted 7–0. Resolution as amended approved 7–0.
