Agenda Highlights 9/13/22

The Fort Smith Board of Directors study session meeting scheduled for 9-13-22 will start with a presentation from Ryan Benefield with the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission regarding Act 605 that requires water rate studies and potential rate increases.

The Board will discuss removal of the utility payment drop boxes.

The Board will discuss the $1,501,450 in federal funds that Fort Smith is to receive through the American Rescue Plan HOME investment partnership program to be used for programs that reduce or prevent homelessness including tenant based rental assistance, development of affordable housing, supportive services, and acquisition or development of non-congregate shelter units.

The Board will discuss not collecting employee health,dental, and vision premiums during the month of December. This proposal is in response to that the $6.3 million in the insurance account exceeding the $4.3-$4.5 million predicted to be needed for insurance costs. Waiving the premium payments for the month of December would cause a total of $238,000 to not be paid in.

The Board will discuss awarding one time bonuses to city employees in recognition for their hard work during the Covid 19 pandemic. The proposed bonuses would be $2500 to full-time Police and Fire employees, $1500 to other regular full-time non-uniformed employees, and $750 to part-time employees. The total cost (paid out of the General Fund) would be $1.63 million.