Dear Fellow Residents of Pine Bluff and Jefferson County, I’m Tim Morris, a concerned citizen, taxpayer, and neighbor just like you. Like many of you, I’m tired of wondering where our hard-earned tax dollars are really going. We’ve all seen the alarming headlines and reports that shake our trust in local government: • In 2025, over $250,000 was stolen from the Pine Bluff Parks and Recreation Department — a case now under active investigation by the Arkansas State Police and the FBI. • Previous audits revealed more than $500,000 in unauthorized payments, improper contracts, and questionable spending across departments. • Ongoing issues with budget delays, unclear adjustments, and lack of timely reporting leave us in the dark about how our money is spent. Our taxes fund vital services: safe parks for our kids, well-maintained streets, equipped fire trucks, trained police officers, and essential community programs. But when theft occurs, expenses go unexplained, and accountability is missing, it directly hurts every family in Jefferson County. We struggle with rising costs while unbudgeted surprises pile up and public trust continues to erode. Enough is enough. We deserve better — open, honest government that puts taxpayers first. That’s why I’m launching this petition to demand straightforward, commonsense reforms. These aren’t extreme ideas; they’re proven practices used successfully in cities like Denver and others, where citizen involvement has built trust, prevented waste, and ensured dollars are spent wisely. We, the residents and taxpayers of Jefferson County, urgently call on our Quorum Court and County Judge to implement these key reforms immediately: 1. Post Clear, Accessible Financial Reports Online — Monthly and annual reports for all departments, posted prominently on the county website in easy-to-understand formats, detailing exact budgets and expenditures. 2. Hold Regular Public Town Halls — Quarterly open meetings where officials explain finances, budgets, and answer resident questions face-to-face — no more decisions behind closed doors. 3. Establish an Independent Citizen Oversight Committee — A panel of 5-7 everyday residents (including at least one with financial expertise) to review spending, identify issues early, and report directly to the public. Modeled after successful citizen boards in other cities that have restored confidence. 4. Adopt Open Data Standards — Share financial information in downloadable, user-friendly files so citizens, journalists, and watchdogs can analyze it independently. 5. Provide Timely Updates — Post all financial reports and updates within 30 days — ending the long waits that breed suspicion. 6. Strengthen Rules and Accountability — Enforce clear policies with real consequences for misuse, including public updates on investigations like the ongoing 2025 Parks theft case. 7. Mandate Ethics Training and Disclosures — Require annual ethics training for officials and full public disclosure of any financial interests to prevent conflicts. 8. Streamline Budget Processes — Establish strict timelines, require detailed explanations for any changes, and eliminate last-minute delays or surprises. These changes are basic good governance — nothing radical, just responsible stewardship of our money. They’ll help catch problems faster, prevent future theft and waste, and rebuild the trust our community needs to move forward and thrive. Our tax dollars should strengthen Jefferson County — improving parks, roads, safety, and services for our families and future generations — not vanish into irregularities or secrecy. Stand with me today. Add your name to this petition and send a powerful message: We demand transparency, accountability, and respect for the taxpayers who make it all possible. Together, we can make Jefferson County a model of open government. Sign now and share with your neighbors — let’s build a brighter, more trustworthy future! Thank you, Tim Morris Petition Starter Concerned Resident and Taxpayer, Jefferson County