Fort Smith Fire Chief to step down Oct. 30, focus on family

Fort Smith Fire Chief Mike Richards said his decision to retire Oct. 30 is “strictly personal” and “absolutely has nothing to do” with what has been a tough budgeting process that has included a reduction in fire and police pension benefits.

“You know, everybody reaches a time where they have to make a decision to do something else with their life,” Richards said late Wednesday during a telephone interview with The City Wire. “One of those things for me … is to be a full-time grandpa.”

Quite coincidentally, Richards was out on his front yard playing catch with his 2-and-a-half year old grandson when he took The City Wire call.

Richards has been with the Fort Smith Fire Department for almost 33 years, and has been the chief since June 2009. His career spans 41 years including his time as a volunteer with the Roland Fire Department. Richards, who turns 60 in December, said he has decided that the decision to retire was based solely on “providing 100%” of his time to family support rather than firefighting support.

He and wife Debbie have been married 41 years. They have two sons, with one married and the other to soon marry. The grandkids are 10 and 2.5 years old.

“This decision is all about family for me. … It’s just a time for me to take care of other priorities right now,” Richards said.

But Richards did admit there would be “some speculation” about why he was leaving considering the budget struggles. City Administrator Ray Gosack resigned suddenly on July 10. While no reason was given, it was no mystery that a majority of the Fort Smith Board of Directors and Gosack did not agree on the city’s direction in terms of budgets and spending priorities.

At issue is the ongoing struggle by the Board and city staff to plug an anticipated 2015 budget year shortfall of $899,273 in the city’s police and fire (LOPFI) contribution fund. The estimates show the fund balance at $5.731 million by Dec. 31, but reaching a deficit of $419,042 by 2021.

The Board has voted to return benefits under the pension plan back to the levels in place in 2004. That action saves the city an estimated $477,000 in this fiscal year and up to $516,000 by year 2026. But based on estimates, additional spending reductions and revenue increases totaling approximately $2.1 million annually are needed to keep the LOPFI contribution fund solvent beyond 2030. Some the budget cutting ideas include a reduction in 401(a) retirement plan contributions, salary cuts for higher-paid city employees, and across-the-board general fund cuts.

Compounding the tense budget discussions is an estimated $480 million order to fix the city’s sewer system that is mandated in an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The estimated $480 million includes $375 million capital costs and $104 million in additional operations and maintenance expenses. The agreement gives the city 12 years to invest the needed funds and do the work to bring the sewer system into compliance.

As to if the city will look inside, outside or both for his replacement, Richards said he notified Acting City Administrator Jeff Dingman Wednesday morning so it is “too early to know which way they want to go.” Whatever they do, Richards said he is confident the department will be OK.

“We won’t miss a beat. … I feel real confident and I feel real good that I’m leaving the city and the department in good hands,” Richards said.

In his letter to Dingman, Richards wrote: “To the citizens of Fort Smith, I believe you are extremely fortunate to have one of the best groups of men and women protecting and serving you without fail, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and many times in extremely dangerous conditions.”

As chief, Richards manages more than 150 people, stationed in 11 fire stations around the city. In addition to fire response, responsibilities of the department include medical first response, rescues, hazardous material response, and bomb response. In the event of natural disasters, terrorist events and other similar emergency situations, the department is tasked to coordinate with Sebastian County officials, the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and the Arkansas Governor’s office.