FORT SMITH, Ark. — Sebastian County Judge Steve Hotz sent a drafted proposal to City Administrator Carl Geffken, suggesting a plan to lease the county's portion of Parrot Island Waterpark to the City of Fort Smith for $1 per year.
The City of Fort Smith and Sebastian County are split owners of Parrot Island Waterpark in Fort Smith.
Fort Smith recently voted to approve the purchase of more waterslides for the expansion of the waterpark, but the Sebastian County Quorum Court voted against the purchase twice. The water slides would cost $4.2 million, requiring the city and the county to pay $2.1 million each.
Geffken provided 5NEWS with Hotz's drafted proposal to lease the waterpark to the city. Hotz said the county does not have the resources to maintain upgrades on the waterpark.
"Sebastian County does not have the revenue sources to keep pace with the City of Fort Smith with regard to upgrades of Parrot Island Waterpark, the County agrees to make the real estate and all improvements owned by the County available to the City on a lease basis, thereby allowing the City to move forward with improvements of the park at their desired pace," Hotz said in the proposal. "The goal of both parties is to provide the best of a highly desired amenity to the citizens of the City of Fort Smith and of Sebastian County."
Hotz proposed to lease the property to the city for $1 per year. Therefore, the city will be responsible for the costs of operations, maintenance, and improvements.
He also proposed that Sebastian County employees can still visit the park with the same discounts as city employees since the lease is at a discounted rate.
Additionally, if the waterpark closes down for any reason, the lease will end and the county and city will share the cost of demolition and removal of materials.
Note: This report is based on a rough draft. Hotz told Geffken they could speak further about the terms and conditions of the agreement.
Geffken did not provide a statement on the proposal because he said it is too early in the process.
July 25 report:
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