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Bull Shoals council votes no confidence in treasurer amid calls for forensic audit
Summary
Bull Shoals council passed a vote of no confidence in the city Treasurer after citizens and council members raised longstanding concerns about unbalanced reports, alleged misappropriation and a history of transparency problems; calls for a forensic audit and hiring a qualified CPA were renewed.
The Bull Shoals City Council on May 28 passed a vote of no confidence in the city Treasurer after several council members and residents raised persistent concerns about the municipality's financial reporting and apparent irregularities.
Mayor Bill Stahlman said audits are underway but delayed by personnel issues and the high cost of external reviews. He reported that “evidence” suggesting funds may have been taken from the water department has emerged but said the city is awaiting completion of audits before taking formal action. (The minutes do not set out details of that evidence or name alleged suspects.)
Multiple residents and some council members described a pattern of unbalanced reports, budget over-expenditures and earlier indictments tied to previous financial matters. Citizens repeated requests for a forensic audit; the council discussed but has not implemented a forensic audit to date.
Council members emphasized the need for professional financial oversight. The body discussed retaining a qualified certified public accountant to review the books and recommended additional transparency measures. The minutes record disagreement over the timing and cost of audits and at least one council member opposed acceptance of the Treasurer's report at this meeting because of unresolved financial questions.
Procedurally, the motion of no confidence was made and passed at the meeting (vote tally for the motion is recorded in the minutes as passed, but a full roll-call breakdown for that motion is not specified in the transcript). The council also moved forward with administrative steps to separate the offices of City Recorder and City Treasurer via Ordinance 2026-06, a measure intended in part to create clearer lines of responsibility and appointment for the Treasurer.
What happens next: council members said they will pursue professional review options and discuss funding for external audits. The minutes note ongoing legal and administrative processes tied to prior financial issues and said action on alleged misappropriation will await audit outcomes.
