By: Craig Shultz | Original Article at pe.com
With dark clouds literally and figuratively hanging over Beaumont, Mayor Brenda Knight took time during the annual State of City gathering to address the issues that have plunged the city into turmoil.
“I know a lot of you came here today looking for answers,” Knight said Thursday, May 21 to about 200 people in the ballroom at Four Seasons.
Knight didn’t skirt the controversies that currently roil Beaumont, though noted there was little she could add to what is already known.
The city is currently facing:
• A Riverside County District Attorney’s Office investigation into its relationship with a longtime consultant. The probe included a raid on City Hall in April.
• An impending audit by the state Controller’s office over it financial statements for the last two years. Officials noted the audit could be expanded if needed.
• Rising costs in its appeal of a judge’s ruling that the city owes more than $50 million in judgments, fees and penalties to a regional transportation agency. Interest continues to be added during the appeal.
After joking that “I don’t think many of you want my job today,” Knight assured the audience that the council is looking for solutions. She said it’s going to take teamwork to solve the problems, referring to them as “the elephants in the room.”
“I alone don’t have the power to change the city’s direction, it takes all five of us,” she said, referring to the City Council. “I rely on the support of my colleagues on the council to make things happen.”
She said the city is being as transparent with residents as it can be, but mentioned there are certain things that can’t be discussed.
“We will share with you all of the information that we can,” she said.
Knight said while the city is appealing the judgment in the transportation fees dispute with Western Riverside Council of Governments, it will be looking for alternatives to resolve issues with the agency.
She said no matter what the outcome of the case is, the City Council cannot raise taxes to pay a judgment without voter approval.
“In conjunction with council, our financial and legal staff is developing a plan for the worse case scenario,” Knight said.
Knight also said she cannot speak much about the DA raid.
“The city is cooperating with the DA’s office and intends to correct any wrongdoing or malfeasance that is discovered,” she said.
She added the city will cooperate with auditors as well.
Knight said despite the legal issues, things can change for Beaumont.
“Your elected officials will be working on a plan to move Beaumont forward to a viable and prosperous future,” she said.
Beaumont resident Valerie Jean Hernandez, who attended the event, said had her questions answered.
“I felt her message is one of great positivity,” Hernandez said.