Ft. Smith Study Session Discusses Pension Funding

July 16 there was a Ward 3-specific community meeting held at the the Ft. Smith Senior Activity Center.  The study session was hosted by the Mayor and Board of Directors.  There were several topics discussed with an estimated 60 residents in attendance.  One of the topics was that of the City's interest to annex land to the intersection of U. S. 71 and the Interstate 549.

Wally Bailey, Planning Director, said it hasn't been decided upon yet.  After a while the sub- ject of annexation was pushed from the session to allow continued discussion of police and fire pensions.

It is expected by the City to spend $900,000 more than it receives, just this year alone, for pension funding.  Residents wanted to know how the City was going to pay for it.  Mike Lorenz, Ward 3 Director, said there is not a complete answer right now.  He also stated to ensure proper funding, every option would have to be looked at.

Projects that have an impact upon Ward 3 residents, such as utilities and street work, were talked about by heads of City Departments. 

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