Fort Smith Board of Directors Study Session – October 13, 2026

The Fort Smith Board of Directors held a study session on October 13, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Blue Lion. The agenda included the presentation of the 2027 Proposed Operating Budget, discussion of a draft ordinance for firefighter compensation, civic engagement proposals, and capital improvement plans from Parks and Recreation, Solid Waste Services, Transit, Police, and Fire departments. The session also featured a citizens forum with multiple speakers addressing various city issues.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jim Garrett expressed opposition to Flock safety cameras, citing concerns over data privacy (contractual provisions granting Flock irrevocable rights), a case of mistaken identity leading to a subpoena, and a finding that 686 license plate searches this year were not related to local crime. He urged the board to cancel the program.
• Andy Posterick advocated for people-centered road design, sharing observations from Trondheim, Norway, where lower speed limits but fewer stops resulted in faster travel. He requested inclusion in planning for Chad Cali Boulevard widening and criticized top-down transportation planning.
• Glenn Cameron raised concerns about truck traffic on Jenny Lind Road between Kavanaugh and the interstate despite posted “no trucks” signs, citing safety hazards. He questioned enforcement and requested clarification from police.
• Stephen Cox supported the board’s recent vote on data center regulations, asked about the timeline for a revised ordinance (planning commission meeting November 10th, board vote possibly December 1st), and urged stronger provisions beyond state law (Act 851). He also warned about Act 373 and impacts on electric prices.
• Cheryl Davis spoke against a hot mix asphalt plant in Ward 3, citing health concerns (lung cancer in a neighbor), lost records, and potential conflicts of interest. She raised issues about stormwater permits and wetland impacts.
• Kristen Kitchens echoed concerns about the asphalt plant and stormwater permits, noting the city’s consent decree obligations. She requested follow-up from city staff.
• Jason Skirbitz criticized the proposal for a supplemental alcohol tax, called it a “tax hike on the backs of small businesses,” and expressed skepticism about the budget process. He supported the Trailblazer 101 Citizens Academy but accused the vice mayor of hijacking a homelessness task force.
• Chris Cadelli voiced support for the full 13.7% firefighter pay raise, opposed the alcohol tax, and questioned spending priorities (e.g., water park expansion). He also noted that Flock systems are hackable.
• Casey Millspaw (candidate for Position 6, former Parks Commission chair) praised Trailblazer 101 but advocated for a longer multi-week academy (as existed under Tracy Winchell). He opposed the alcohol tax, called for redirecting funds from the convention center and Parrot Island losses to firefighter raises, and criticized the vice mayor for controlling task force discussions.
• Raymond Taylor urged leaders to focus on solutions (e.g., water/wastewater) rather than blame, emphasizing integrity and running the city like a business.
• Crystal Cadelli strongly supported the 13.7% firefighter raise, opposed the alcohol tax (citing burden on restaurants/bars), and demanded a comprehensive audit of Parrot Island after whistleblower concerns about financial misconduct. She criticized the lack of transparency.
• Shane McKinney celebrated high voter turnout and mayoral debate, opposed the alcohol tax as “theft,” suggested cutting executive salaries instead, and argued firefighter pay should be funded by smarter allocation of existing resources, not new taxes.
• Sharon Lockwood asked questions about Flock cameras: whether they read more than license plates, who pays, how many exist, whether the city profits, and oversight of AI accuracy.
• Joe Elskin thanked the board for their work, advocated for green spaces, had concerns about a small cushion in the parks budget, asked about Maybranch Greenway flood mitigation (clarified it’s a trail), and supported the transit voucher program.

Discussion Items

1. Presentation of the 2027 Proposed Operating Budget (Finance)

• City Administrator Jeff Dingman introduced the balanced operating budget for four funds, emphasizing compensation for uniformed and non-uniformed personnel and maintaining service levels. A budget highlights memo was provided, and the full document was posted online.
• Director Christina Catsavis questioned specific line items: a $5,000 strategic planning meeting, $30,000 grants management software, $1 million convention center subsidy (noted as increasing despite earlier hopes for reduction), and Animal Haven’s requested 20% contract increase. She also inquired about airport security (reimbursed), the convention center’s naming rights, and the need for pressure on OVG to reduce operating losses.
• CFO Andy Richards confirmed the city’s pooled cash is approximately $200 million, primarily in fund balances earning about 3.25% interest. The general fund reserve is about 40% of expenditures (~$25 million), above the 25% policy. The city’s bond rating is A- (down from previous). He noted that about $8 million could be transferred from utility working capital to water projects.
• Director George Catsavis suggested cutting recurring expenses (e.g., parking deck maintenance, convention center subsidy, Animal Haven increase) to fund firefighter raises, rejecting the alcohol tax as a false choice.
• Director Neal Martin noted the operating budget is balanced with a $1,000 surplus and highlighted capital outlays in street maintenance, water/sewer, and solid waste that need further review.
• Director Lee Kemp questioned the OVG contract and the need to review it, suggesting potential savings.
• The board agreed to hear from OVG and Animal Haven before the budget hearing.

2. Firefighter Compensation Ordinance Discussion

• Staff presented a draft ordinance to adopt the firefighters’ proposed pay scale averaging 13.7% increase. The proposed budget included a 10.7% increase; the remaining 3% (~$375,000) could be funded by increasing the supplemental alcohol tax from 5% to 10% (estimated $500K+ revenue).
• Most board members opposed the alcohol tax. Mayor McGill, Directors Christina Catsavis, Lee Kemp, Kevin Settle (via prior action), Andre Good, and Neal Martin expressed support for finding the $375,000 within existing resources through cuts.
• Director Andre Good cautioned about long-term sustainability, noting other departments (sanitation, neighborhood services) also need raises and have dangerous jobs. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach.
• Director Lee Kemp noted the 13.7% increase would move the fire department from last to seventh among peer Arkansas cities, not to the top.
• City Administrator Dingman said administration could find the necessary cuts, particularly from operating budgets, to achieve the 13.7% increase.
• A motion was made and seconded to bring the ordinance for a vote at the first meeting in November (November 3, 2026), directing staff to find the funding.

3. Civic Engagement: Trailblazer 101 Citizens Academy & “Citizens First” Model

• Communications Director Josh Buchfink presented the one-day Trailblazer 101 academy proposed for November 18, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., targeting up to 25 participants via bus tour of city facilities. Funding ($3,000) fully covered by local sponsors. Applications opened, 23 signed up. The pilot aims to be repeated. Board participation in the opening session requested.
• JaMichael Robinson presented a video on a “Citizens First: The American System” model – a four-week curriculum to train citizens in civic advocacy, petition drafting, and parliamentary procedure, designed as an extension for those wanting deeper engagement after Trailblazer 101. He emphasized it would be citizen-run, not city-funded. He noted the need for legal review of the “four director rule” to avoid premature polling.
• Director Kemp asked about tracking IDs, specialized mentor roles, and the four-director rule. Robinson clarified the rule needed legal review to avoid polling violations. Kemp suggested waiting to gauge interest after the November election.
• Board feedback was positive, with support for the pilot and interest in longer engagement options.

4. Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs)

• Parks and Recreation (Dr. Sara Deuster): Presented the FY27-FY31 CIP funded by 1/8% sales tax (~$3.6M annually). Highlights: completion of Tilles Park renovation (splash pad replacement, basketball court, tennis court resurfacing), Kelly Park restroom coordinated with engineering project, and continued Maybranch Greenway work. Responded to questions about aerators at Carol Ann Cross Park (plan to repair this winter), the limited budget cushion (noted), and the absence of restroom at Amani Park (not in plans for small parks).
• Solid Waste Services (Duane McDonald): Presented the 10-year CIP totaling $12.348 million for 2027. Major change: bringing forward construction of a new landfill cell (estimated $7 million) from 2028 to 2027 due to faster-than-expected fill rates. The new cell is expected to last 6-8 years; overall landfill capacity estimated at 102 years. Vehicle and equipment purchases funded from sinking fund (~$30M after freeing $11M in financial assurance funds). CPI-based rate adjustment to take effect January 2027. Updated on CNG transition: 16 of 48 active trucks run on CNG, with $1.16/gallon equivalent vs. over $5 for diesel.
• Transit (Ken Savage): Presented the 2026 Transit Asset Management Plan requiring approval for grant funding, with $6.95 million in investments over 5 years (local share $1.17M). Fleet plans include purchasing four CNG buses (28-foot, shorter design) and one van. Major facility investment: access road (2,210,000 in 2026) to improve safety, having dismissed seven alternatives. Current state of good repair at 100%. Responded to questions about measuring service effectiveness (demand response data), bus stop shelters (86 shelters, 50 benches, 25% coverage), and federal funding stability (optimistic, noted push for 80% operating reimbursement).
• Police (Chief Danny Baker): Presented the 5-year CIP (FY27-31) using police sales tax, $2.93M annually for salary support, and $810K for Axon contract. 2027 capital expense: $6.135M, with $786K from general fund. Key purchases: 17 primary patrol vehicles, 5 CID vehicles, drones (Chinese replacement required by state law), firearms, body armor, and range improvements. The take-home vehicle program is progressing. A question about the Crankey property sale (listed) could provide additional funds. Addressed pay compression for officers at top steps who did not benefit from the 2024 raise (24% for all sworn except the chief). Board expressed need for cost-of-living adjustments in the future.
• Fire (Chief Darrell Clark): Presented the 5-year CIP for fire apparatus and station renovations. 2027 capital: $2.172M for apparatus (one ladder truck and other replacements), plus $80K for station renovations. Future unfunded needs: new station 12, training classroom ($4M), driving pad ($600K). The fire apparatus reserve fund is projected to go negative in 2033 without changes. Noted the department is moving away from Pierce for its next heavy rescue purchase due to better value from a smaller Colorado manufacturer.

Key Outcomes

• Firefighter Compensation: The board directed administration to find $375,000 in budget cuts to fund the full 13.7% average pay increase. A motion to bring the ordinance for a vote at the first regular meeting in November (November 3, 2026) was made and seconded. The alcohol tax increase was rejected by all board members who spoke.
• CIP Approvals: The Parks, Solid Waste, Transit, Police, and Fire five-year CIPs were placed on the November 2, 2026 regular meeting agenda for adoption via a motion and second.
• Budget Hearing: The board formally scheduled a one-day budget hearing for November 13, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the Blue Lion, with four directors concurring.
• Trailblazer 101: Staff will proceed with the pilot Citizens Academy on November 18, 2026. Board members will participate in the opening session.
• Additional Directions: Staff will invite OVG and Animal Haven representatives to present to the board before the budget hearing. Staff will provide the OVG contract for review and continue legal review of the “four director rule” in the Citizens First proposal.