Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers delivered her inaugural State of the City address Monday, outlining a vision for transformation, unity, and progress.
The event at the Pine Bluff Convention Center was attended by city officials, community leaders, and residents. Flowers began by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the 36th mayor of Pine Bluff.
“I am grateful and honored that you’re here and that I can stand before you as your 36th mayor of this great city,” she stated, acknowledging the rich history and culture of Pine Bluff. She emphasized a path of “transformation, unity and bold progress” for the city.
In her address, Flowers emphasized Pine Bluff’s potential for future prosperity, referring to the city as the “jewel of the Delta.” “Our legacy is rich, and it is a legacy we are proud of–one we are committed to reclaiming and strengthening for future generations,” said Flowers.
Flowers went on to highlight Pine Bluff’s historical significance, particularly in education, transportation, and tourism. “Pine Bluff was the site of the very first public school in the state of Arkansas in 1870,” she noted. She also mentioned the city’s role as a transportation hub, referencing the first mule-drawn streetcar line and the first concrete road in the state, Dollarway Road.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
A significant portion of the address focused on changes and new initiatives within the city government.
Flowers highlighted several key actions taken within her first 90 days in office. These included appointing a Transition Advisory Board, managing weather storm emergencies, creating new information technology and electronic pay systems, and re-establishing the Veterans Internment Committee. She also announced the contracting of a project manager for a city-wide software switch and the establishment of an office for the city treasurer.
“Change on paper is exciting and fresh and new. In real life, it’s hard and uncomfortable and somewhat uncertain,” Flowers acknowledged, addressing the challenges of implementing changes. She emphasized that these changes were based on “data, deliberation, and change toward the best interests of the city of Pine Bluff.”
Some of those changes also included parting ways with former police chief Denise Richardson, the retirement of fire chief Shauwn Howell and Parks and Recreation Director Trudy Redus.
“We will partner with independent athletic leagues and fill positions with experienced, passionate professionals like Ricky Stewart, a Class A member of the PGA of America, who accepted a position as Parks & Rec’s new golf pro manager,” said Flowers. “Returning home to Pine Bluff is Basil Shabazz, who will not only soon be honored in yet another sports hall of fame, but he will serve as Pine Bluff Parks and Rec’s new athletic director.”
She also mentioned reprioritizing federal funds. “We re-prioritize remaining federal funds allocated to the street department to repair streets damaged by potholes, prioritizing underserved residential areas first,” said Flowers.
Flowers also outlined plans to allocate carryover funds from 2024 for various projects, including funding Opportunity House to become a 24-hour facility, providing professional constituency services to council members, funding a forensic audit of the city’s finances, and strengthening technological efficiency.
“We’re just getting started,” she said, indicating ongoing efforts to improve city services.
Regarding financial management, Flowers stated, “We’ve worked hard to make sure that our decisions reflect integrity, balance, and discretion. We will ensure that your tax dollars are used effectively and for the benefit of all Pine Bluff residents.”
Flowers also outlined plans to allocate carryover funds for capital improvements. Additionally, 100 new cameras throughout the city will establish a Real Time Crime Center.
Flowers also addressed challenges such as the shrinking population, business closures, and public safety concerns. “Only together can we rise above these challenges and gain the momentum we need for the future of Pine Bluff,” said Flowers.
Looking ahead, Flowers shared ambitious goals for 2026 and beyond. She spoke of plans to renovate the Pine Bluff Port, expand corporate partnerships, enhance educational centers, and boost Delta tourism. She also announced plans to host a Trade Summit and a Housing Summit. “Our vision for Pine Bluff is bold and global. We will regain our position as a regional and global resource,” she declared.
In the realm of education, Flowers mentioned the construction of two new high schools and the focus on strong partnerships with the Pine Bluff and Watson Chapel school districts, Southeast Arkansas College and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. These partnerships will specifically focus on safety and internships.
Regarding transportation, she highlighted Pine Bluff’s intermodal capabilities and ongoing projects like the $2 million airport runway expansion and a $1 million bus transit expansion. Plans to expand the river port and further develop Grider Field were also mentioned.
For tourism and entertainment, Flowers mentioned the construction of two new hotels — one at Saracen Casino Resport and the other a Courtyard by Marriott at the Convention Center — and plans to leverage these openings to support existing and new events.
Flowers also touched on the city’s significant debt load of more than $26 million, according to a recent debt schedule released by the city. The document, made public at the address, outlines the city’s outstanding bond issues and obligations under Amendment 78.
The largest portion of the debt comes from various bond issues, totaling $18,715,984. These bonds, used for projects like sales and use tax funding and capital improvements, were issued between 2016 and 2021 with terms ranging from 10 to 30 years and interest rates between 2.63% and 3.80%.
In addition to the bond debt, the city has also incurred substantial obligations under Amendment 78, totaling $7,313,530. These obligations, primarily for equipment financing and other loans, were all taken out in 2024 with a 5-year term. Notably, the interest rates on these obligations vary significantly, ranging from a relatively low 3.67% with US Bank to a concerning 28.11% with Club Car Finance.
Audience members could be heard gasping at the high interest rate and stating how the city needs to carefully manage these debts to avoid further financial burdens on taxpayers.
The largest single obligation under Amendment 78 is a $3,360,000 loan from Farmers State Bank of Alto Pass, Ill., carrying a 4.50% interest rate.
Provided by the city’s financial director, Flowers also broke down the 2024 revenue, which revealed a heavy reliance on sales tax, which accounts for a significant 45% of the city’s total income.
According to the figures, Pine Bluff anticipates a total revenue of $48,304,082 for the year. A substantial $21,888,352 of that amount is expected to come directly from sales tax. Following sales tax, the second largest revenue source is “City Licenses, Fines, and Fees,” contributing 12% or $5,881,440 to the city’s coffers.
The state of Arkansas and the city’s casino funding each account for 11% of the revenue, translating to $5,331,064 and $5,173,193, respectively. Property taxes make up 8% ($3,852,036), while franchise fees contribute 7% ($3,272,945).
The budget for the 2024 fiscal year revealed a significant allocation of funds toward public safety. According to the data, 51% of the city’s total $46.6 million budget, amounting to $23.7 million, is dedicated to public safety initiatives.
Following public safety, the second largest expenditure is for “Quality of Life” programs, which account for 22% of the budget, or $10.3 million.
Other notable allocations include:
- Administration: 9% ($4.2 million)
- Capital projects: 7% ($3.4 million)
- Bond/debt service: 4% ($1.8 million)
- Miscellaneous/other: 6% ($2.8 million)
- Restricted revenue: 1% ($500,000)
The remaining budget allocations cover essential administrative functions, capital improvements, debt management and other miscellaneous expenses.
The total budget for the city of Pine Bluff in 2024 is $46,608,516.
The address concluded with a call for continued support and unity.
“Together, we will build a Pine Bluff that is strong, prosperous, and united,” said Flowers. “We will create the city we all want to call home — a city that honors its legacy while embracing the future.”
This version corrects dollar figures from 2024 revenue.
