Allegations of a conflict of interest on the part of Bonnie June Ayers, Benton County Welfare Director, were the subject of this PEER report. The conflict stemmed from the fact that Mrs. Ayers’ husband was a joint owner of the building leased by the Benton County Early Childhood Education Center. As County Welfare Director, Mrs. Ayers’ duties included recommending approval or disapproval of major actions of the center to the State Department of Public Welfare.
In the opinion of the PEER Committee, no conflict of interest existed based on the fact that Mrs. Ayers had no control over the center’s daily operations or the facilities leased by the center. In addition, PEER found the Department of Public Welfare well informed of the operations of the center and its problems.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.