Fort Smith News: New City Administrator choice looms as city remains parked on the edge of a financial precipice,

As Fort Smith confronts a cascade of financial and operational headaches, including a staggering budget deficit, ongoing sewer upgrades under a federal consent decree, persistent water infrastructure woes, and losses at Parrot Island Water Park, the city's Board of Directors is zeroing in on a new city administrator to navigate these turbulent waters.

Interviews with the four finalists, Jeff Dingman, Dean Johnson, Matthew Harline, and Scot Rigby, concluded on December 15 in a closed session, capping a lengthy search that attracted 43 applicants. No decision has been made yet, but insiders suggest an announcement could come soon, filling a vacancy left since the dismissal of former administrator Carl Geffken in December 2024.

The position, overseeing a city of about 90,000 residents, demands a leader adept at crisis management. The city recently slashed around 60-70 unfilled jobs, including positions in police and fire departments, to address an $8 million shortfall in the general fund, which ballooned to a $6.47 million deficit in 2024 and is projected to hit $15.56 million by the end of 2025.

These cuts, part of $16.9 million in trims across operating budgets, helped pass a balanced 2026 budget this week, but not without controversy over vacancy freezes, spending reductions, and the elimination of roles that could strain public safety

.Compounding the fiscal strain is the decade-old EPA consent decree, imposed in 2015 to curb sanitary sewer overflows and Clean Water Act violations. The agreement has forced billions in mandated upgrades, with the board approving over $50 million in sewer projects just last month and tabling another $28 million for further review

. Annual financial plans submitted to the EPA highlight the ongoing burden, as the city races to meet deadlines while avoiding penalties.Water infrastructure presents another persistent challenge. While leaks have dropped dramatically, down 76% through November 2025, with only 214 repaired last month compared to highs of over 2,500 annually in recent years, the aging system still demands constant attention.

Past delays in repairs frustrated residents, prompting the city to urge reports via text or phone. Sewer and water rate hikes have followed, tied to funding these fixes and consent decree work, adding pressure on household budgets amid broader economic woes.

Even recreational assets like Parrot Island Water Park, a popular family spot jointly managed with Sebastian County, have turned into financial pitfalls. The park posted a net operating loss for 2025, with the county recently agreeing to cover half of a $369,000 debt. A proposed $4 million expansion for new slides stalled due to cost overruns blamed on rising construction prices and initial estimate flaws, leaving the project in limbo.

This week, the board tabled a resolution that would grant the city full operational control, opting instead for a January study session to weigh the pros and cons of sole ownership amid debates over long-term viability.Acting Administrator Jeff Dingman has steadied the ship since February 2025, following his interim stint and a cleared FOIA investigation.

Here's a closer look at the finalists, each offering a blend of experience to tackle these multifaceted issues:

• Jeff Dingman: The internal candidate and local mainstay, Dingman has been deputy administrator since 2011 and holds a JD and MPA from the University of Kansas, plus a BA in History and Political Science from Baker University. With over 25 years in public management, including roles in University Park, Texas, and as city administrator in Baldwin City, Kansas, he's an ICMA-credentialed manager and Leadership Fort Smith graduate. His deep knowledge of Fort Smith's operations makes him a continuity pick, though some argue for outside innovation.

• Dean Johnson: From Puyallup, Washington (population 42,000), Johnson served as mayor since January 2022 after council terms starting in 2015. A real estate broker and former Republican congressional candidate, his focus on community development and safety could align with Fort Smith's growth ambitions, despite coming from a smaller city.

• Matthew Harline: Previously village manager in Villa Park, Illinois (population 22,000) from June 2022 until his board removal in May 2025, Harline oversaw 150 full-time employees across departments. He was also a finalist for Battle Creek, Michigan's city manager role in August 2025. His administrative background might bolster efficiency in Fort Smith's strained systems.

• Scot Rigby: Former manager of Edmond, Oklahoma (population 99,000) from March 2022 until a 4-1 council acceptance of his resignation in January 2025, Rigby now runs his own consulting firm. Past critiques of his management style emerged in 2023, but his experience in a similar-sized city with growth challenges positions him as a regional outsider.

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The incoming administrator will inherit a city at a crossroads, with infrastructure demands clashing against budget realities in the River Valley

. "We need someone who can hit the ground running," said Board Director Lee Kemp, who initiated the interviews. Residents await the choice, hoping for stability before year's end.

For updates, check the City of Fort Smith's website at fortsmithar.gov.