Resident accuses council of misleading public over CEMEX sale; council members deny prior knowledge

During public comment at the Oct. 3 meeting, Karen Combs (654 Sartell Drive) urged council members to resign and accused them of having known for years that CEMEX planned to sell its local operations, arguing citizens had been misled about the company's commitment and safety record. Combs cited past EPA fines and criticized council members for accepting the company's stated regional economic impacts without sufficient independent evidence.

Combs told council, "You sold the people out," and called for resignations. Council members responded later in the meeting, saying they had not been informed of a sale and noting that businesses generally keep sale negotiations confidential. Councilwoman Donna Wilson said in response that "people don't share that kind of information till the very last minute." Mayor Dan Kirkpatrick and other members said the buyer, Eagle Materials, plans to retain employees and that the operation will be called the Fairborn Cement Company moving forward.