Fort Smith city board meeting to cover budget, annexation, infrastructure plans

The Fort Smith Board of Directors will meet on Oct. 14 to discuss the proposed 2026 operating budget and consider annexing land along Highway 271 and Texas Road for various types of development. The meeting will begin with a presentation from finance officials on the proposed budget, which includes maintaining the current property tax rates for 2025. City officials plan to annex a 45-acre area with 20 parcels that are currently unincorporated, addressing a gap created by the state's abolishment of extraterritorial jurisdictions. In addition to the annexation, the board will consider three zoning requests, including a change from General Commercial to Industrial Light at 6001 Prairie Dr.

A previously tabled loan agreement for engineering services from Burns & McDonnell, revised to a three-month term, will also be reviewed. The board's decisions will significantly impact local land use and infrastructure development. The meeting underscores the city's commitment to address growth challenges while managing public resources effectively.