Hyde Demands Buckner's Resignation in Pulaski County Budget Clash

Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde escalated a high-stakes financial dispute Friday, publicly demanding the resignation of County Treasurer Debra Buckner and declaring that a two-week internal review found no mismanagement or missing funds in county accounts.[1][2] "There has been no mismanagement and no negligence in the handling of county funds by my office," Hyde said at a news conference Friday afternoon.[1] "The recent accusations made by the county treasurer point to either her clear lack of understanding of how money flows through the county budget, or a willful disregard for that process. Either is deeply concerning, and it's unacceptable."[1] Buckner triggered the dispute on April 6 when she alleged at a Quorum Court meeting that the county's general fund ended the previous three years with consistent shortfalls between roughly $33 million and $38 million, and that no cash reserves had been requested to help fund revised budget increases.[1] Hyde's administration and County Comptroller Michael Hutchens disputed those claims, saying Buckner misunderstood how county revenue flows through its budget structure. According to the internal review, the county's general fund ended 2023 with a balance of $28.5 million and roughly $4 million in 2024, with a 2025 deficit attributed to timing issues with tax collection rather than missing funds.[1][2] Hutchens said Buckner failed to account for other revenue sources and ordinances passed by the Quorum Court appropriating funds to various budgets within the general fund.[1] He noted that the general fund typically reflected negative balances at year's beginning due to the timing of tax collection and loss of COVID-19 relief funds.[1] Hyde stressed that despite Buckner's claims of an emergency requiring fund transfers, "The funds were there for payroll. Her actions were inappropriate and irresponsible."[1] The formal audit remains pending, though recent legislative audits showed no financial wrongdoing.[2] Buckner's office did not respond to requests for comment, and the treasurer received formal notice of Hyde's resignation request following Friday's press conference.[1][2]