During a recent budget workshop in Calexico, community members expressed frustration over the city’s financial management and lack of transparency. Key concerns were raised regarding the allocation of funds for essential services, particularly in relation to street maintenance and infrastructure projects.

One speaker highlighted the $4 million expenditure on the New River project, questioning the effectiveness of the planning process and the timing of budget information provided to council members. The speaker criticized the council for not adequately addressing community complaints about potholes and sidewalks, pointing out that the street maintenance budget was significantly underutilized, with only 30% of the allocated $400,000 spent in the previous year.

The meeting also drew attention to the low public turnout, with only ten community members present, which one speaker described as a \"pathetic outcome.\" This sentiment was echoed by others who emphasized the need for greater community engagement and accountability from the council. They referenced a $50,000 survey conducted in 2020-2021 that outlined residents' priorities, including improved streets, parks, and emergency services, and lamented the lack of proposals to address these issues since the recent recall of council members.

The discussions underscored a growing demand for transparency in budgetary decisions and a call for the council to prioritize the needs of the community in future planning.