Concerns over taxpayer spending took center stage at the Placentia City Council meeting on December 3, 2024, as residents voiced their frustrations regarding former city administrator Damian Arula's use of city funds for personal expenses. City Treasurer Kevin Larson's recent comments, asserting that all expenditures were approved, sparked skepticism among community members.

During the meeting, a resident highlighted discrepancies in the approval process for various expenses, including 62 car washes for Arula's personal vehicle and charges for electric vehicle chargers. The resident pointed out that invoices for these expenses were approved by the Public Works Department but lacked signatures from any city council members, raising questions about accountability.

The resident also criticized the city’s credit card policy, which was revised in October 2024, questioning why such a significant policy change was necessary if the council had already approved the expenses in question. Furthermore, the council's decision to hire a private investigator to look into these expenditures was called into question, with concerns about the cost to taxpayers and the lack of transparency surrounding the investigation.

In a pointed exchange, the resident demanded the release of the investigator's report, arguing that transparency is essential for restoring public trust. They noted that the former city council member Craig Green, who claimed to have approved the spending, was no longer in office when many of the expenses were incurred, further complicating the narrative.

The meeting underscored a growing demand for accountability and transparency in city spending, with residents calling for clear answers and the release of pertinent documents to ensure that taxpayer funds are being used appropriately. As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant, seeking clarity on the financial practices of their city officials.