Change-of-government question returning to Fort Smith board meeting

The Fort Smith Board of Directors will vote again on July 7 to place a change-of-government question on the November 2026 ballot, following a failed attempt in May where the measure lacked the required four votes. Director George Catsavis called for the reconsideration during the June 16 meeting, and his daughter, Director Christina Catsavis, seconded the motion, ensuring it appears on the next agenda. Citizens pushing for a shift from the current council-manager form to a mayor-council government have collected around 3,100 signatures as of June 17. To qualify for the ballot, they must submit 2,608 valid voter signatures by late July or early August, verified by City Clerk Sherri Gard. Attorney Joey McCutchen advised gathering 700-800 additional signatures to account for potential invalidations. During the May 19 meeting, Directors Christina Catsavis, George Catsavis, and Neal Martin supported the 2026 ballot measure, while Directors André Good, Lee Kemp, and Jarred Rego opposed it. Director Kevin Settle abstained, leaving the vote one short. Rego later proposed a 2027 ballot but lacked a second for the motion. Under the current system, the city administrator manages a $300 million budget and 1,000 employees. A mayor-council transition would transfer management to the mayor, with state law requiring elections for city clerk, attorney, and treasurer. If approved, elections for the new government would occur in November 2028, while rejection would bar further votes for four years.