Resident says county wasted ARPA funds and withheld records in canceled fire-suppression deal

Gail Dunham, who identified herself as from Summerfield during public comment, told commissioners she believes the county made the right decision canceling a $5.5 million fire-suppression contract but criticized delays and the handling of public records.

Dunham said roughly $4.5 million remains in the treasury and urged commissioners to find projects that would comply with ARPA spending deadlines. "You wasted $1,000,000," she said, and asked for a meeting with county staff to review documents she says she provided and that the county withheld. She also said she filed public-record requests years ago that she believes were not complied with.

The board did not take immediate action on that specific claim during the meeting; commissioners heard the public comment as part of the speakers-from-the-floor segment and moved on to scheduled presentations.