Michael Tilley

President and Executive Editor at Talk Business & Politics

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Articles

Report estimates possible Fort Smith metro losses in Medicaid, SNAP funds

4 days ago | talkbusiness.net | Michael Tilley

Crawford and Sebastian counties could lose almost $600 million in Medicaid funding over a decade if proposed federal legislation is approved, according to “rough” estimates from the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.
Fort Smith Board to review consent decree compliance, water meter plan

6 days ago | talkbusiness.net | Michael Tilley

The Fort Smith Board of Directors has asked city staff to better communicate sewer system work to address improvements mandated by a federal consent decree. Part of that communication will begin Tuesday (June 23) at the board’s study session. The board also is set to hear a presentation about “advanced metering infrastructure” that could help the city reduce an estimated 35% “non revenue water loss” from billing errors and other factors.
Director named for consolidated 911 center in Sebastian County

6 days ago | talkbusiness.net | Michael Tilley

The hiring of Wes Milam as director of public safety communications for the City of Fort Smith is a key step in the consolidation of 911 operations in the city and Sebastian County into a center expected to be fully operational by 2027. Milam for more than two decades has been employed by the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD), most recently as a department captain. His first day on the 911 job is June 23, according to the City of Fort Smith press release.
City director ends push for hire-fire - Fort Smith hooks Bass Pro

1 week ago | kuaf.com | Kyle Kellams |Michael Tilley

Michael Tilley of Talk Business & Politics joins Ozarks at Large's Kyle Kellams to discuss this past week's headlines from Fort Smith and the Arkansas River Valley, including a final update on the most recent hire-fire push from the Fort Smith city director, Fort Smith issuing a $20 million building permit for construction of a Bass Pro Shop and the publication's new feature: "Executive Summary."Visit Talk Business & Politics to read these stories and more.
World Refugee Day - A religious document lawsuit

1 week ago | kuaf.com | Daniel Caruth |Kyle Kellams |Matthew Moore |Michael Tilley

For more than 50 years, KUAF has been your source for reliable news, enriching music and community. Your generosity allows us to bring you trustworthy journalism through programs like Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Ozarks at Large. As we build for the next 50 years, your support ensures we continue to provide the news, music and connections you value. Your contribution is not just appreciated— it's essential! Please become a sustaining member today.
Director Catsavis ends push for hire-fire change, laments business leader lobbying

1 week ago | talkbusiness.net | Michael Tilley

Fort Smith City Director Christina Catsavis will end her push to shift the hire-fire power with department heads from the city administrator to the board, but she is discouraged about pressure from “CEOs and business leaders” who opposed the effort. The Fort Smith board after a lengthy debate on Tuesday (June 17) voted 4-2 against Catsavis’ proposal. The board in 2013 shifted the hire-fire authority for department heads to the city administrator.
Van Buren chamber staff ready to move into new offices

1 week ago | talkbusiness.net | Michael Tilley

The Van Buren Chamber of Commerce is less than two weeks away from a long-awaited move into its newly renovated offices at 111 N. 12th St., according to chamber President and CEO Julie Murray. The former public library and city annex building renovated for the chamber also will include a “business resource center.” Murray said the renovation cost was estimated at $550,000, and the chamber staff – two full time and one part time – will begin moving in June 30.
Hire-fire shift proposal rejected by Fort Smith Board

1 week ago | talkbusiness.net | Michael Tilley

An effort by Fort Smith Director Christina Catsavis to shift the city’s hire-fire authority over department heads from the city administrator to the board was short-lived, with the board voting Tuesday (June 17) against her idea. The Fort Smith board in 2013 shifted the hire-fire authority for department heads to the city administrator. In 2015 there was an effort to return that authority to the board, but the board voted 4-2 in February 2016 to keep the authority with the city administrator.
Fort Smith Board approves highest possible sewer rate for Arkoma

1 week ago | talkbusiness.net | Michael Tilley

The Fort Smith Board of Directors on Tuesday (June 17) rejected two sewer rate options for the city of Arkoma, which by default sets the rate at $8.75 per ccf. That’s an amount Arkoma Mayor Joshua Johnson has said the city may try to block with legal action. Fort Smith city staff recommended two rate options as part of a five-year contract set to begin June 22. Johnson has said in recent meetings that his city may seek a court injunction if Fort Smith pushes for a rate Arkoma can’t afford.
U.S. Marshals Museum lays off employees

1 week ago | talkbusiness.net | Michael Tilley

The U.S. Marshals Museum recently laid off employees as part of “difficult choices” to respond to a downturn in visitors, according to Benjamin Johnson, museum president and CEO. Johnson said 2.5 full-time equivalent positions were cut in early June. The museum, located in downtown Fort Smith along the Arkansas River, now has 17 employees, with some of those being part-time and seasonal, he said.