Fort Smith Board of Directors Study Session – September 8, 2026

The Fort Smith Board of Directors held a study session on September 8, 2026, at the Blue Lion. The meeting included presentations and discussions on the Fort Smith Regional Airport, Sunday alcohol sales for off-premises consumption, 2027 departmental service objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs), and options to purchase Deer Trails Golf Course. The public comment period featured widespread calls for transparency regarding a recent cybersecurity attack, as well as input on city property sales, employee morale, and other issues.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patrick Maguire raised concerns about late invoice payments and questioned payments made to the city by itself, urging greater involvement of internal audit in accounts payable.
• Stephen Cox argued against data center development in Fort Smith, citing water scarcity, noise, electricity costs, and state laws (Act 307) that may force local taxpayers to cover infrastructure costs. He noted that board members indicated a desire to make it difficult for data centers and asked if any had signed NDAs (none acknowledged).
• Eric Widman presented a list of city-owned properties he believes could be sold to generate revenue, including flood buyout parcels and land with no current purpose, and requested the list be provided to the public.
• Dan Williams expressed opposition to purchasing Deer Trails Golf Course, arguing the city should focus on basic services, employee retention, and infrastructure rather than acquiring new property. He cited a 21% city employee turnover rate and called for better career paths and support.
• Natalia Deer urged the board to address homelessness with compassion and direct outreach, emphasizing that homeless individuals are hurting and need human connection.
• Casey Millspaw commended the shift from negative to constructive public participation, supported Sunday alcohol sales, opposed Deer Trails purchase, and pointed out numerous errors in the departmental KPIs (e.g., mislabeled years, missing data) and questioned who validates the data before it reaches the board.
• Jason Skarbitz questioned funding for airport projects, advocated for Sunday alcohol sales, and criticized the board's silence on the August cybersecurity attack and the closed-door recess during the August 18 regular meeting.
• Glenn Forte complained about unresponsive city officials and alleged misconduct by a building inspector, stating he was arrested after being told not to enter his own property.
• Janie Pugh called for transparency and proactive defense against cyber threats to water systems, 911 dispatch, and city data, referencing a recent hack.
• Joey McCutcheon demanded answers about the cybersecurity attack, noting that over 1,000 employees and 36,000 residents may have had personal data compromised, and questioned whether the city had conducted vulnerability testing. He cited a 2021 audit that raised insurance coverage concerns.
• Shane McKinney criticized the lack of transparency about the cyberattack, stating that silence leads to speculation, and shared his own experience of having to push technology adoption in Fort Smith. He noted that city officials commented on his video but did not provide clarity.
• Richard Morris accused Directors Christina Catsavis of displaying hostility and suggested she may have a psychological condition, which led to an interruption by Director George Catsavis and a brief exchange. The Mayor allowed him to continue.
• Joe Elskin thanked the airport for its presentation, asked if audit training is available to the audit committee, and urged the board to prioritize listening to and respecting employees.
• Chris Connelli expressed concern over the lack of information on the cyberattack and criticized the recess during the August 18 meeting, citing an attorney who called the private discussions