Fort Smith sales tax revenue up 4% through the April report

While not as robust as the 5.3% year-over-year gain in the March report, Fort Smith’s share of the 1% Sebastian County tax was $2.171 million in the April report, up 1.13% compared with revenue in the April 2025 report, and 0.13% above the budget estimate.

For the first four reporting months of 2026, Fort Smith’s revenue from the countywide tax totals $8.373 million, up 4% compared with the same period in 2025.

The city’s share of the countywide tax provides money for the city’s general fund budget, with much of that budget paying for police, fire and other essential city services.

The city’s 1% tax, which now partially funds federally-mandated sewer system work in addition to street, bridge and drainage projects, was $2.592 million in the April report, up 0.7% compared with April 2025 but 0.29% below the budget estimate. The revenue in the first four reporting months of 2026 was $10.049 million, up 3% compared with $9.761 million in the same period of 2025.

The city also collects a second 1% tax, with 62.5% of the revenue funding consent decree work, 12.5% supporting the city’s police department, and 25% providing funds for the city’s parks and recreation department.

According to Fort Smith Chief Financial Officer Andrew Richards, the April 2026 total gross receipts were more than the same month in the past three years. Tax revenue from retail trade, which was 54% of total revenue, was 0.8% higher than April 2025, but trailed April 2023 and 2024. Tax revenue from accommodation and food services sales, which is 12% of the total, was more than the same month in the past three years.

PREVIOUS ANNUAL COLLECTION INFO
Fort Smith 1% sales tax collection for streets and consent decree
2025: $29.513 million
2024: $29.516 million
2023: $29.924 million
2022: $28.65 million
2021: $26.667 million
2020: $22.66 million
2019: $21.73 million

Fort Smith portion of 1% countywide sales tax
2025: $24.489 million
2024: $24.493 million
2023: $24.648 million
2022: $23.553 million
2021: $21.49 million
2020: $18.246 million
2019: $17.265 million