In a recent meeting of the battery building committee, serious allegations emerged regarding potential fraudulent reporting related to a water plant. An ex-employee raised concerns that the city cannot conduct an impartial investigation into these claims, prompting calls for a special prosecutor to examine the situation at 93100 State Route 66.

Committee members expressed a need for transparency regarding financial matters, questioning the collection of code enforcement fees from 2020 to 2023, the allocation of $38,000 used for demolishing a condemned hotel, and the budgeting for electric and water bills associated with the site. They also sought clarity on the use of $750,000 in government grants and the application of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the hotel purchase, emphasizing that if the Board of Education has $2 million in tax revenue, property taxes for local citizens should be lowered.

Concerns were raised about the safety of the site, particularly regarding the potential environmental impact from years of battery burning. Committee members criticized the limited budget for legal fees, suggesting that if significant funds were allocated for water testing, similar resources should be available for legal counsel. The discussion highlighted a lack of testing for dioxins at the site, raising alarms about public safety.

The committee's treatment during the meeting was also a point of contention, with members feeling disrespected when questioned about their use of protective gear during site visits. While some officials maintained that the site was safe, others expressed skepticism, citing ongoing community anxiety and the potential risks to first responders.

As the committee awaits a final report from the fire committee, the urgency for an independent investigation and clearer communication with the public remains paramount. The discussions underscore a growing demand for accountability and transparency in local governance, particularly concerning environmental safety and financial oversight.