Fort Smith directors approve contract extension for flood relief center

Jun. 26--Flood survivors will continue to find relief services at the old Sears building in Central Mall through the end of September.

The Fort Smith Board of Directors approved Tuesday a contract extension with the mall for the multi-agency flood relief center.

A short-term contract was approved through the end of this month, because it was unclear how long the space would be needed. The original agreement was for no charge aside from liability insurance.

With a longer-term need for the space, the city and the mall have agreed to a contract to include rent and utilities.

"It seemed only reasonable that we would comply with that," said City Administrator Carl Geffken.

The city will pay $5,000 per month to lease the space and $3,000 to $5,000 for utilities.

"We will keep perfect track of all of this for submission for reimbursement since its use is solely and totally dedicated to flood relief and victims of the flood," Geffken said.

Finance Director Jennifer Walker noted last week at the city's mid-year budget review it has a lot of expenses toward the flood. She said costs were incurred before, during and now after the flooding.

Walker also mentioned the federal reimbursements Fort Smith is expected to receive for its response to the event, but those may not be processed before the end of 2019. The city may dip into its fund balance to cover these expenses until FEMA money is received.

Geffken said an additional extension could be needed, but he will bring the issue back to the board if that's the case.

The center serves as the distribution hub for food and other necessary items, donation storage facility, provides a mobile device charging station, and houses other resources and nonprofits to help survivors.

Geffken previously said the center is a partnership between the United Way, Sebastian County Department of Emergency Management and the city. Services are available for all River Valley residents impacted by the historic flooding.

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