Fort Smith Times Record
After a thorough discussion on the price tag and location of the facility, the Fort Smith Board of Directors voted 6-1 to lease the Blue Lion at UAFS as a meeting space.
The decision, which was solely opposed by At-Large Director Neal Martin, has locked the city into the remaining 73 months in University of Arkansas-Fort Smith s 15-year contract. The city will pay $5,408 monthly through April 2027, after which they have the option to purchase the building from the Central Business Improvement District for $10.
City officials expect to use the 18,000-square-foot building at 101 N. Second St. for Board of Directors meetings and commission meetings as well as possible office space for the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission employees and a venue to be rented for functions. The board could begin meeting there as soon as the lecture platform is set up.
Times Record
The Fort Smith Board of Directors unanimously voted Tuesday to repeal a city alcohol tax that would have bumped the city s tax from 5% to 10%.
The tax would have upped the total tax for beer to 19.75%, wine to 23.75% and liquor to 33.75% when purchased at a bar or restaurant in the city.
“I’m excited to repeal this and not hurt our bars and restaurants any further than they’ve already been hurt through the pandemic, At-Large Director Neal Martin said at Tuesday s board of directors meeting.
The alcohol tax was set to take effect in December.
At a Jan. 12 study session, the board of directors decided to vote on repealing the tax at Tuesday s meeting, according to a memo from Deputy City Administrator Jeff Dingman.