Several members of the Fort Smith Board of Directors on Tuesday (July 28) questioned a more than $10 million financing plan to redevelop property in south Fort Smith into a Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) training center and new precinct. The Fort Smith board approved spending $2.85 million to buy the former Crain-Kia dealership in south Fort Smith in March 2024. On Tuesday, Fort Smith Chief Financial Officer Andrew Richards presented details on a $10 million bond issue with a 20-year finance term based on a 4.5% interest rate. In response to questions from Director Jarred Rego, Fort Smith Police Chief Danny Baker said the training facility and a southern precinct have long been department plans. “This has been a long-term stated need for the future of Fort Smith,” Baker told the board.