City of Fort Smith asked to assume control of several cemeteries

The City of Fort Smith is being asked to “assume responsibility” for Roselawn, Holy Cross, Forest Park, and Washington cemeteries – properties which contain more than 55,000 graves on more than 85 acres in the city.

Marty Clark, president and CEO of Fort Smith-based BHC Insurance, and volunteer Fort Smith Cemeteries Inc. (FSCI) president, told the Fort Smith Board of Directors during Tuesday’s (July 15) study session that the organization has found itself in an “untenable financial condition” because the “economics of running a cemetery are pretty terrible.”

“The revenue generated from lot sales and interments cannot keep pace with the mounting infrastructure needs, rising maintenance costs, and compliance obligations tied to perpetual care,” Clark noted in a statement.

The three cemeteries are on the northside of Fort Smith. Roselawn/Holy Cross is off of North O Street and just west of Interstate 540. Forest Park is located off of Midland Boulevard (U.S. 64) and North 50th Street. Washington Cemetery is off of North 54th Street between Johnson Street and Virginia Avenue.

According to information provided by Clark, Forest Park has at least 26,000 graves, Roselawn has 23,345 graves, Holy Cross has 3,623 graves, and Washington has at least 2,000 graves. Bobbie Woodard-Andrews said the Washington Cemetery, the only active African American cemetery in the city, is landlocked and has space for maybe 7 more years of funerals. Holy Cross and Roselawn have significant room for expansion.

Graves at the three cemeteries date back to the mid-1800s, Clark said.

“These cemeteries are of significant historic and cultural importance, and their long-term care can no longer be left to a struggling nonprofit,” Clark said in prepared remarks. “We believe that municipal stewardship is the only viable path forward.

“More importantly, we believe this is the right thing to do. A city holds no greater duty than to honor and care for its dead. Letting these cemeteries fall into disrepair would not only be a shameful erosion of civic trust – it would be a failure of stewardship. Well-maintained cemeteries reflect a community’s values. They offer dignity, history, and a sense of place.”

Fort Smith businessman Ed Ralston and FSCI board member said they assumed leadership of an organization in financial trouble. Ralston said annual revenue ranges between $300,000 and $350,000, with an annual deficit of around $100,000. He said Forest Park has infrastructure needs that total at least $150,000. There are some funds available from a state-operated perpetual care fund, but the money is not enough to cover essential costs.

“It’s not a huge mess, but we do have a shortcoming of operational funds,” Ralston said.

Clark provided the following explanation of the situation in the meeting agenda notes.

“Fort Smith Cemeteries, Inc. was formed in 2021 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to rescue and stabilize three failing cemeteries previously held by private owners. Under the direction of founder Bill Wilson, the organization borrowed $800,000 to fund immediate improvements – primarily at Roselawn/Holy Cross Cemetery. While drainage, paving, and fencing projects were completed there, little investment was made at Forest Park Cemetery.

“After Mr. Wilson was diagnosed with (health concerns) and ceased involvement in 2022, the nonprofit faced financial collapse. Equipment was misappropriated, and board members resigned. A new board, including myself, Ed Ralston, and Andy Brown, was appointed. We have since stabilized operations, negotiated debt forgiveness on $200,000, and halted interest accrual on the remaining $600,000 loan.

“Despite these efforts, ongoing operations are unsustainable. Forest Park Cemetery, in particular, faces severe drainage and road infrastructure problems that impair use and undermine public confidence. Fundraising is nearly impossible under current conditions.”

Fort Smith Mayor George McGill said the city has an obligation to maintain cemeteries.

“Our history is connected to those that are there,” Mayor McGill. “So, I’m going to suggest we do what we can to make this happen.”

Director and Vice Mayor Jarred Rego said the city “should seriously consider” the proposal by Clark and others to assume responsibility for the cemeteries. Director André Good echoed that sentiment. Director Lee Kemp was not as supportive, suggesting that the city work with FSCI to find other “partners” who can help with maintenance and other needs.

Rego made a motion asking city administration to pursue talks with FSCI and report back to the board with options at the second board meeting in August. Good seconded the motion, which is enough to place an item on a future board agenda.