Sarah Dela Paz told the Board of Supervisors that as a former Kettleman City Water District board member she repeatedly questioned the district’s spending, use of consultants and attorneys, employee attendance, and the timing and notice of rate increases. She said residents were not adequately informed before rates rose and cited staff absences and alleged family involvement in district operations.

“Kenilamon [Kettleman] City residents deserve transparency, accountability, and fair treatment,” Dela Paz said. She asked whether Supervisor Richard Vallee, who represents the district and was not present, had followed up on prior commitments to investigate operations and costs.

The board indicated it would ensure the supervisor receives the written comment and that staff would route the correspondence; no board action or audit was ordered at the meeting. Dela Paz urged additional oversight, suggested evaluating recurring engineering and attorney contracts, and said district office closures during business hours had left residents with limited ability to pay bills or raise concerns.

What happens next: The board clerk confirmed the written letter would be provided to the supervisor. No formal investigation, audit or policy change was initiated at the Nov. 25 meeting.