6/9/2026 Board of Directors - Study Session

The City of Fort Smith Board of Directors held a study session on June 9, 2026, featuring detailed presentations from the Police and Fire Departments on their 2025 annual reports. The Police Department highlighted crime reductions, community engagement efforts, and challenges with officer retention and technology systems. The Fire Department discussed operational budget cuts leading to personnel reductions, ongoing recruitment challenges, and the implementation of a new records management system. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Bass Reeves Legacy Loop project, a federally funded $25 million trail and greenway initiative. Due to increased costs and feasibility concerns, a revised project scope was proposed, reducing the project cost to approximately $29 million and altering the route. The board discussed funding sources, including the city's 18-cent sales and use tax dedicated to parks and recreation capital projects, and the need to begin procurement for professional services to advance the project. Additional discussions covered water utility rate structures, senior citizen discounts, and the need for capital investments in water infrastructure. Motions were made to revisit cemetery upkeep in a future study session and to place a government change vote on a future agenda. No formal votes on procurement contracts were recorded, but authorization to proceed with procurement related to the Bass Reeves Legacy Loop was sought.