Following a lengthy discussion, the Pine Bluff City Council voted 6-2 to override Mayor Vivian Flowers’ veto of a resolution previously approved by most council members expressing support for the Urban Renewal Agency. Councilmembers Steven Mays and Yvonne Denton cast the two dissenting votes.
The council also approved, by a 6-2 vote, an amended resolution requiring oversight of the Go-Kart Track project by the city’s Public Works Director, including regular progress updates to the council.
The measure reauthorizes the transfer of $860,000 from 2025 5/8-cent sales tax carryover funds to support construction, furniture, fixtures and operational costs for the track.
In a separate 6-2 vote, the council approved a resolution authorizing a memorandum of understanding between Go Forward Pine Bluff and the Urban Renewal Agency. Go Forward Pine Bluff has pledged $1.2 million toward the project. Under the memorandum, once the city’s $860,000 contribution is spent, Urban Renewal may submit invoices to Go Forward Pine Bluff until the full $1.2 million pledge has been utilized.
Councilmember Lloyd Holcomb, Jr. spoke with Deltaplex News following the meeting about why the council chose to override the mayor’s veto and move forward with the Urban Renewal measures.
Holcomb added that although the sales tax that previously funded Go Forward Pine Bluff was voted down, the organization remains a public-private partnership that he believes has provided benefits to the entire community.
The council also approved an ordinance amending Section 21-16 of the Pine Bluff Code of Ordinances regarding the classification of personnel within the police department. The measure also amends the 2026 municipal budget to transfer funds to cover the cost of the changes. The ordinance passed after a 4-4 tie vote, with the Mayor casting the deciding vote.
The restructuring will add to the number of assistant police chiefs from two to three, taking away the deputy chief positions, along with other departmental adjustments.
Additionally, the council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a contract with Wagner General Contractors, Inc. for renovation work at 316 Main Street. Funding for the project will come from the Community Block Grant fund.
The council also passed an ordinance authorizing the purchase of a Versalift 500/555 series truck for $225,364 to assist with street lighting and other city maintenance work. The new vehicle will replace a truck that is more than 20 years old and in need of significant repairs. The purchase will be made using carryover funds from 2025.
Mayor Vivian Flowers refused to comment following the meeting when asked about the various votes taken by the City Council.
