Times Record
The Fort Smith Police Department has evolved its meter enforcement position into the city s first downtown ambassador to address vagrancy, direct resources and provide a community presence to stakeholders of downtown Fort Smith.
Jon Raspberry, who has worked as the police department s meter enforcer since 2018, has been chosen to fill the role. The new position fills the needs of the police department and the Central Business Improvement District Commission.
Belle Starr Antiques owner Beth Price, who has previously been outspoken about vagrancy in downtown Fort Smith, said Raspberry is a much needed point of contact for downtown business owners and residents.
Times Record
Editor s note: This story has been updated to accurately state the kinds of businesses that were shut down for 74 days in Arkansas because of COVID-19.
Bar and restaurant owners in Fort Smith who say they re already suffering under the COVID-19 pandemic are worried about an incoming 5% alcohol tax hike from the city.
Slated to go into effect Dec. 1, 2021 with a study session to reconsider in October, the capped-out alcohol sales tax would push adult beverage taxes in Fort Smith up to 19.75% for beer, 23.75% for wine and 33.75% for liquor when purchased in a bar or restaurant. While it was presented to the Fort Smith Board of Directors at Dec. 15 meeting as a tax upon the gross proceeds or gross receipts derived by such private club, City Administrator Carl Geffken on Wednesday said the tax would apply to all bars and restaurants in Fort Smith that serve alcohol.