# 9/22/2026 Board of Directors - Study Session


**Body:** City of Fort Smith, Arkansas
**Date:** September 21, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Public Safety, Contracting Vehicles, Grants & Funding


The City of Fort Smith Board of Directors held a study session on September 22, 2026, which included a significant focus on procurement and budget-related matters. A key procurement discussion centered on the recommendation to contract Arcadis, a nationally recognized engineering firm, for program management of the city's consent decree projects related to sewer infrastructure improvements. The board reviewed Arcadis' qualifications, scope of services, and cost proposal of approximately $2.4 million for the first year, with expectations of cost reductions in subsequent years. The firm will assist with project management, capital improvement planning, cost control, and compliance reporting. The board moved to advance this contract for consideration at the October 5 regular meeting. Additionally, the session addressed salary studies and proposed pay adjustments for city employees, with particular emphasis on police and fire personnel compensation. Presentations highlighted the critical need for competitive pay to improve recruitment and retention, especially for the fire department, which faces high workloads and turnover. The administration indicated that the 2027 draft budget includes partial salary increases, but board members expressed a strong desire to fully meet the departments' requested adjustments, exploring options such as one-time bonuses funded from the general fund. The session also featured a presentation from Main Street Fort Smith on downtown development and business support initiatives. Overall, the meeting combined procurement decisions on major infrastructure program management with strategic budget discussions focused on employee compensation and public safety priorities.

**Source:** City of Fort Smith, Arkansas