Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers issued the following statement through her office after a legislative committee hearing held Friday:
On March 13, 2026, I appeared before the Arkansas Legislative Joint Auditing Committee alongside Parks and Recreation Director Prutty Holman and Finance Director Gina Devers. We addressed the committee and answered members’ questions regarding findings related to the city of Pine Bluff’s Financial Audit for the year ending Dec. 31, 2024, which reflects activity the year prior to my swearing-in under the previous administration.
The audit identified significant issues within the Parks and Recreation Department, including unaccounted funds tied to manual receipts, unallowable and questionable purchases, altered invoices, use of unapproved vendors, and missing equipment that could not be located for inspection. Earlier action was taken on May 23, 2025, when two Parks and Recreation employees were terminated. All relevant information and evidence were immediately turned over to local law enforcement. Subsequently, the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney formally requested the Arkansas State Police to conduct an investigation. This information was shared publicly in a press release issued by the mayor’s office on June 4, 2025.
The audit also noted procedural deficiencies within the Finance Department, including issues with maintaining and reconciling cash receipt journals, delays in completing monthly bank reconciliations, and inconsistencies in issuing receipts and making timely deposits. While these findings were procedural in nature, they underscore the need for stronger internal controls and improved financial processes.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Since taking office on Jan. 1, 2025, my administration has moved decisively to strengthen accountability, transparency, and financial oversight across city government. We have passed legislation requiring budget amendments to be approved by resolution, mandated that ordinances and resolutions clearly disclose funding sources, as well as authorized electronic payments to vendors and electronic check deposits to improve efficiency and documentation. We have also created and funded a Procurement Director position to centralize purchasing oversight, and engaged consultant assistance to develop a centralized property inventory as well as more comprehensive standardized operating procedures.
In response to the people’s call, I identified funding, engaged an RFP process, and filed City Council-approved legislation for a comprehensive forensic audit. Currently in process, the audit will cover all 2017 sales tax activity, as well as a review of all city departments under the mayor’s authority for the years 2023 and 2024. These steps are critical toward ensuring a full and transparent accounting of past practices while putting stronger safeguards in place for the future.
Under my administration, we are working diligently and intentionally to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse. Our focus remains on restoring public trust, strengthening financial management systems, and ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is handled with integrity and accountability as we remain focused on progress in Pine Bluff for generations to come.