Public commenters raise concerns about financial exploitation of vulnerable adults and housing conditions in Olympia

Two in-person public commenters at the March 4 Olympia City Council meeting raised concerns about financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult and long-term housing and health issues tied to an apartment.

Demia Burling said she is experiencing ongoing financial exploitation and expressed concerns about the Olympia Police Department's attentiveness and training on handling financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. Burling said she has autism and that one of her accounts was stolen and her phone number was used without permission. She requested that council consider additional training, funding, or support for the police department to better handle financial exploitation reports.

Richard Burgess, a resident of Burnbridge Place Apartments on Fern Street, said he has lived in Olympia for 17 years, described a diagnosis of mild schizophrenia and said he has been experiencing strong diesel fuel fumes entering his apartment since April 1, 2024. Burgess said he has sought relocation and that housing staff and behavioral health resources have not provided sufficient assistance; he asked for help finding stable housing.

Mayor Dante Payne and City Manager Bernie acknowledged the comments and indicated follow-up would occur. Payne thanked Burling for raising the issue and said he would ask to speak with the police chief; City Manager Bernie said he and Chief Allen had made eye contact and the chief intended to connect with Burling at the meeting's end. Bernie also asked staff to follow up with Burgess about housing resources.

No formal council action was taken during public comment; the mayor noted there would be an opportunity later in the meeting for a staff response.