Grant-funded alley upgrades highlight city agenda alongside fee and code changes
The Fort Smith Board of Directors plans to meet Tuesday to address a series of ordinances and infrastructure projects, prominently featuring a $2. 19 million construction contract for the Alleyway Rehabilitation Project. Fully funded by a federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, this initiative aims to rehabilitate approximately 11,510 linear feet of alleyways to enhance safety and neighborhood connectivity in Wards 1 and 2. The agenda will also include discussions on updates to business license fees and solid-waste service charges, necessitating amendments to the municipal code. Directors will open the meeting with a public hearing on delinquent property cleanup liens.
On Monday, the Board will hold its Annual Budget Hearing to discuss the proposed 2026 budget, which forecasts an $8. 092 million shortfall due to rising costs. City officials have already approved budget-reduction measures totaling $4. 2 million for 2025, including cuts to unfilled positions and software licenses. Allocations under the proposed budget include $20.
589 million for the Police Department and $16. 227 million for the Fire Department. The financial challenges underscore the need for careful planning as the General Fund balance could be depleted within two years if current spending trends continue.