Fort Smith Board of Directors Meeting - May 19, 2026

The Fort Smith Board of Directors met on May 19, 2026, in a session marked by extensive public comment on a proposed change of government, followed by votes on several consent decree infrastructure projects. The board heard from numerous residents calling for a November 2026 ballot on a strong-mayor form of government, but a motion to place it on the 2026 ballot failed 3-3. A parallel motion for a 2027 ballot was not voted on, leaving the citizen-led petition process to continue. The board also approved progress payments and contracts for sewer and water treatment improvements.

Consent Calendar

• Proclamation recognizing National Public Works Week (May 17–23, 2026) honoring Fort Smith’s 498 public works employees.
• Eight consent agenda items approved unanimously: a friendship pact with Wasik, Poland; hazard mitigation grant applications for Mill Creek and riverbank stabilization; a siding replacement contract for Miss Laura’s; a temporary revocable license; a sewer camera truck purchase; and grant applications for 911 facility and public safety communications.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kim Fodge urged citizens to stay informed and hold officials accountable, emphasizing integrity over form of government.
• Quentin Cunningham presented data from a city survey (611 respondents, 95% confidence, ±4% margin): 83% prioritized utility affordability, only 3 of 240 ranked homeless response as punitive, and 52% expressed little to no trust in city leadership. He announced a candidacy for Ward 5.
• Shane McKinney argued that citizens are educated and engaged, supporting a 2026 vote; said over 2,000 petition signatures have been collected and warned of lawsuits if the board delays.
• Eduardo Guzman urged the board to reject delay, calling the movement bipartisan and citing a neighbor’s desire for accountability.
• Dan Williams alleged $4 million in spending discrepancies across city financial reports and called for a clear vision and transparent government.
• Crystal Cadelli praised improvements in water leak repairs and new business but stressed need for focus on water, sewer, drainage, and public safety; called for grants and sale of city assets to fund police resources.
• Bill Hollenbeck (former sheriff) framed the petition as a trust issue; argued citizens are smart enough to differentiate the ballot question from elections.
• Phil White opposed changing the form of government, stating the board should have hired a city administrator sooner and that a professional administrator is needed.
• Chris Cadelli criticized the board for disrespecting citizens and questioned the need to study a cap on savings given past budget cuts.
• Lavon Morton (CPA, former board member) defended the accuracy of city financial statements and offered to meet with residents; noted the audit process is rigorous.
• Joey McCutcheon said the board should trust citizens and that delaying would be seen as a power play; he called for a vote in 2026 or 2027, just not no vote.
• Jacqueline Hooper shared a personal story of being turned away by the city prosecutor’s office regarding harassment before a sexual assault; she demanded the change of government be put to a vote.
• Jason Skirbitz expressed anger at the board for poor performance and disrespect toward citizens.
• Joe Elskin expressed concern about short timeline for voter education on the complex change.
• Additional speakers included Kristen Kitchens (criticized inaction on a natural gas well) and Dan Williams (repeated financial concerns), plus other brief remarks.

Discussion Items

1. Ordinances on Change of Government (Items 1A & 1B)

• Two competing ordinances: 1A would set a special election for November 2, 2027; 1B for November 3, 2026.
• Several directors (Neil Martin, Christina Kat Savis, George Kat Savis, Andre Good) expressed support for 2026 to capitalize on voter turnout and end uncertainty for staff. Director Martin said delaying would leave staff in limbo and hamper the city administrator search.
• Director Jared Rigo defended his motion for a 2027 ballot as a way to allow more time for community education and consensus-building; he denied trying to suppress the vote. Director Kemp argued the board’s duty is to hire a city administrator under the current government, and the citizen petition should proceed without board intervention.
• After debate, a motion to adopt 1B (2026 election) failed 3-3 (one abstention). No motion was made on 1A; the board moved to other business, leaving the citizen-led petition as the only path to a 2026 ballot.

2. Progress Payment for Remedial Measures Project (Item 2)

• Resolution approving $1,102,843.20 payment to Kraft Reynolds for the 2017 SSA remedial measures project (overall $9M+). Project is 40% complete dollar-wise, 34% time-wise. Approved 7-0.

3 & 4. Sewer Line Repair and Observation Contracts (Items 3 & 4)

• $6,857,019 contract with Inliner Solutions for repair of 15,000 linear feet of sewer lines and 100 manholes (450 days). Second low bid came in 25% lower than original; winning bid was 40% lower after rebidding. Accompanying $585,600 contract with Hawkins Weir for construction observation. Both approved 7-0.

5. Mazard Water Reclamation Facility Design Contract (Item 5)

• Proposed $8,575,000 fixed-fee agreement with Garver LLC for design and CMAR administration. Several directors (Settle, Rigo, George Kat Savis) questioned the lump-sum billing format (unusual for the city) and requested more detail. Following discussion, the board voted 7-0 to table the item to the next study session for further scrutiny.

Key Outcomes

• Change of government ballot: Board-originated ordinance to place question on November 2026 ballot failed 3-3. No vote on the 2027 ordinance. The citizen petition process remains active and could qualify for the November 2026 ballot.
• Consent decree projects: Progress payment approved; major sewer repair contracts approved; design contract for Mazard plant tabled for study session.
• Consent agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Directives: Director Neil Martin requested administration explore billing water/sewer in gallons rather than CCF. Director George Kat Savis asked to request an opinion from the Arkansas Secretary of State on the legal timeline for government change. Director Andre Good asked to review police line-of-duty sick leave policy. Several directors discussed homelessness and potential fines for municipalities that drop homeless individuals in Fort Smith.