7/7/2026 Board of Directors - Regular Meeting

The City of Fort Smith Board of Directors held a regular meeting on July 7, 2026, which included extensive citizen engagement on various topics, notably a significant discussion on a proposed change to the city's form of government. The board considered an ordinance to call a special election on November 3, 2026, to let voters decide on this change. After public comments and board deliberations, the motion to place the question on the ballot failed with a vote of three in favor, two opposed, and one abstention, as a majority of four affirmative votes was required. The meeting also addressed multiple zoning and rezoning ordinances, all of which were approved, including amendments to the master land use plan and zoning maps for various properties. Additionally, the board approved a five-year consolidated plan for community development block grants and home investment partnership programs, with discussions on the allocation of funds toward low-income housing and infrastructure. Several resolutions related to the federal consent decree projects were approved, including easement acquisitions and payments for construction progress, with a notable counteroffer approved for property acquisition from Union Pacific Railroad. The consent agenda included contracts for park improvements, waste hauler permits, public safety dispatch software, and fire apparatus refurbishment. The meeting concluded with updates on the foreign military sales program and the consolidation of the River Valley Communications Center. Throughout the meeting, there was significant public discourse on governance, infrastructure, public safety, and community development, reflecting active civic participation and concerns about transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.