Fort Smith utility advisory committee future uncertain

The Fort Smith Board of Directors may have approved the formation of the utility advisory Committee in December, but the failure to pass an ordinance adopting the committee’s charter at the board’s regular meeting Feb. 4 means the committee will remain inactive.

The board approved an ordinance forming the committee in December though the refused the push to form one in October.

The idea for the committee came about during a study session Sept. 24. Then City Director Lavon Morton called for creation of the utility advisory committee to be another level of review and oversight, and to provide more citizen input and trust with utility system finances. Morton said he hoped the committee would help resolve an estimated 30% loss between the volume pumped from water sources and the volume of water that is billed. A common loss for water systems is around 15%, he said.

He believed the commission could help the city with the consent decree, including finding alternative approaches to meeting federal mandates for sewer system work.

The original suggestion had the committee structured like the city’s audit advisory committee, with one citizen from each of the city’s four wards and three Fort Smith Board members. The modified ordinance, which passed, states the committee will be comprised of seven citizens and not be limited by ward. Morton, who did not run for re-election for the board, volunteered to be the first on the committee.

The ordinance stated that the committee would meet at least monthly in an informal setting, research and investigate issues that are not ready for discussion or action by the board of directors, address issues such as ideas for upcoming projects or communications with the public, and make recommendations to the board on water and wastewater issues.

An ordinance setting a charter for the committee was on the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting. However the item number failed to garner a motion to be accepted. Therefore, there was no discussion and no vote on the ordinance.

“Technically, the Utility Advisory Committee was officially established, but a charter determining its governance and structure was not adopted,” said Josh Buchfink, public relations manager for the City of Fort Smith. “Since it was established by ordinance, it exists; however, it is not active.”