Fort Smith eyes decade of capital improvements, added transparency in spending

The Fort Smith Board of Directors will meet on October 28 to review over $240 million in proposed long-range Capital Improvement Plans for city departments. The meeting will also address a new ordinance requiring public study sessions for any project over $500,000, aimed at improving transparency and fiscal oversight. The Engineering Department's ten-year plan focuses on major road and drainage projects, funded by a sales tax approved by voters in 2025, which includes updates to the Master Street Plan. The Parks and Recreation Department's five-year plan allocates $22 million, with a significant investment in the Maybranch Greenway trail. Solid Waste Services proposes a $53.

9 million plan for new equipment and upgrades, while the Transit Department seeks $9. 5 million for maintaining buses and facilities. The proposed ordinance follows concerns over budget overruns in previous projects, emphasizing the need for public review. Directors Christina Catsavis, Andre’ Good, Lee Kemp, and Kevin Settle support the proposal, which mandates detailed presentations for major projects. This initiative aims to ensure compliance through annual audits and a waiting period before votes.