Community leaders demand accountability in hazardous vegetation project

During a recent government meeting, representatives from local Homeowners Associations (HOAs) expressed significant concerns regarding a pilot project aimed at removing hazardous vegetation from neglected properties. Phil Hartley, president of the Riviera West Board of Directors, highlighted the project's troubled history, marked by legal conflicts and unmet expectations stemming from previous public presentations.

Hartley emphasized the frustrations faced by the four involved communities due to delays and a lack of accountability from county staff. He noted that the county's Community Development department had to create a procedural framework for the project from scratch, likening it to \"building an airplane in flight.\" Despite these challenges, Hartley conveyed the HOAs' willingness to assist in the project's completion, urging the Board of Supervisors to postpone consideration of the proposal to allow for meaningful community input.

A critical point raised was the need for transparency regarding financial matters. Hartley presented a fund report indicating discrepancies in expenditures related to the project, revealing that out of an initial $48,000, only $30,000 remained, with $5,800 unaccounted for. He called for complete fiscal information to ensure public accountability and informed decision-making moving forward.

Deputy Administrator Walker Smith was acknowledged for his efforts in tracing financial records, but Hartley stressed that clarity on these matters is essential for the project's success and for restoring trust among the communities involved.