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Fort Smith Board of Directors pass face mask resolution, meeting set to decide on possible ordinance

The resolution is not a mandatory ordinance but is set in place to strongly encourage residents to wear face coverings.

FORT SMITH, Ark. — The Fort Smith Board of Directors voted Tuesday (July 7) to create a face-covering resolution for residents in the River Valley.

The resolution is not a mandatory ordinance but is set in place to strongly encourage residents to wear face masks to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The resolution goes into effect immediately. 

On Saturday (July 11) at 9 a.m. the board of directors will hold a special meeting to discuss replacing the resolution with an ordinance that if passed, would make face coverings mandatory in public spaces. 

A municipal ordinance generally means that a municipal act is adopted that has the force and effect of a law, the violation of which may be enforced in city municipal court. A resolution is a formal expression of the opinion or will of an official municipal body adopted by a vote. 

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed an executive order on Friday (July 3) allowing cities to require masks in public in an effort to curb the spread of the COVID-19 in the state. 

RELATED: Arkansas governor issues executive order allowing cities to require masks amid coronavirus case surge

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RELATED: Coronavirus in Arkansas: Tracking COVID-19 Where You Live

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