story by Michael Tilley
mtilley@thecitywire.com
Most members of the Fort Smith Board of Directors were hesitant to speculate about funding a trail plan if an upcoming 5% diversion tax fails to gain voter approval, but several would consider redirecting tax revenue now received by the Fort Smith Parks Department toward building out a proposed 35-mile trail system.
The Fort Smith Board approved Jan. 20 a May 12 election in which city voters will be asked to vote for renewal of the 1% sales tax for street, bridges and drainage improvements. Part of the ballot will also include a voter question on directing 5% of the tax collections toward the multi-use trail system. A Trails & Greenway Committee developed the plan that seeks to add 35 miles to the city’s trail system. The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Smith Regional Council have endorsed renewal of the tax and the 5% portion for trails and greenways.
The street tax generates $18 million to $20 million each year. The tax, first approved by voters in 1985, has a sunset clause that requires voter approval every 10 years. The tax was renewed by voters in 1995 with 87.2% voting yes, and in 2005 with 66.3% voting yes. A renewal vote is planned for May 12.
Pushing for the Fort Smith tax plan is the “Keep Your Penny Rolling, A Project of Citizens for Continued Progress” committee. Combined with the funds raised prior to March, the committee had a fund balance of $28,186 as of March 31.
But if voters don’t approve the plan, what then?
Part or all of a solution could come from the $2.5 million a year now collected by the Fort Smith Parks Department. That money results from Fort Smith voter approval in 2012 of a broad tax plan that redirected spending of a 1% sales tax.
Fort Smith Director and Vice Mayor Kevin Settle declined to speculate about redirection of the $2.5 million if the upcoming vote fails. He said he “has not even thought about” funding trails if the 5% vote fails. Director George Catsavis said a review of the Parks Department budget would be a “possibility,” but said it “is really a tough question, and we’ll just have to look at the numbers.”
Director André Good “would be supportive” of looking at the numbers, but said the Board has to remember that “there are other programs that come up through the year that also ask for that money.”
To that point, Director Keith Lau said he is open to the option.
“Yes, I’d be open to that as long as it doesn’t jeopardize other programs,” Lau said.
Director Tracy Pennartz said the Board may have to look at other funding options for the trail system if the vote fails. She said those for the trail system have made a strong argument for the economic development and quality of life benefit it would deliver for the city and region.
“It is clear that there has been a sufficient amount of citizen initiative to support trails development, so something needs to be done,” Pennartz told The City Wire.
To find money for the trail system, Pennartz said it is likely the Board “will have to take another look at the capital improvement plan within Parks and Recreation.”