7/14/2026 Board of Directors - Study Session

The City of Fort Smith Board of Directors held a study session on July 14, 2026, focusing primarily on the status and future management of three historic cemeteries owned by the private non-profit Fort Smith Cemeteries Inc. The discussion covered financials, maintenance challenges, and the possibility of transferring ownership to the city. The cemeteries currently operate at break-even with limited maintenance due to resource constraints, and the board debated the long-term viability of private versus public management. The city would incur an estimated additional $80,000 to $100,000 annually if it assumed ownership, with no option for easy divestment once taken on. The board also discussed a loan default related to cemetery improvements and the transfer of perpetual care trust funds to the city if ownership changes. No formal vote was taken on the transfer during this session, but a motion was made to place a resolution on the next regular meeting agenda. Additionally, the board discussed municipal fines related to transporting unhoused persons to Fort Smith, with concerns about resource strain from individuals coming from other jurisdictions. A motion was made and seconded to draft an ordinance penalizing entities that transport homeless individuals to Fort Smith, alongside efforts to improve data collection on homeless encounters. The session concluded with a brief review of the upcoming agenda and a motion to adjust the timing of citizen forums in future meetings.