Outgoing Pine Bluff City Councilmember Ivan Whitfield has filed a police report alleging Parks and Recreation Director Sam Glover misused tax money.
Whitfield, who lost his bid for reelection, leaves office Dec. 31.
He made the announcement during a meeting of the Public Works Committee where the 2023 budget was discussed.
According to the complaint, Whitfield alleged three incidents which included spending $2,500 for a private downtown block parry during UAPB’s homecoming celebration; paying $20,000 to satisfy a bill owned by Mike Wilson, the former owner of Harbor Oaks, and $500,000 for a contract for golf carts at Harbor Oaks.
Earlier this year, Whitfield held a special meeting of the Public Works Committee, which he chairs, about the city taking over Harbor Oaks and according to a story in the Pine Bluff Commercial, Assistant City Attorney Joe Childers said when the city assumed control of the golf course, it also assumed its obligations, which included he golf cart contract.
City Attorney Althea Hadden-Scott said she has initiated action to recover the money to pay the bill Wilson owed and is weighing options on the contract with the golf cart company to determine the city’s best options.
Regarding the block party, she said Glover had authorization to hire Will Jenkins to conduct the block party.
Since Glover is an employee of the mayor, it would be up to her to impose any discipline on Glover, Hadden Scott said.
