take control of your government!
It is not that the Citizens of this State and Country do not pay enough Taxes and it's not that we have 'fancy' Services. Our Tax Money is being squandered on Government Corruption.
As prevalent as it is; Government Corruption in the 21st Century is a fool's game. Every Penny of Taxpayer Money is Electronically Transferred and is Designated for Specific Purposes.
In the United States we are a Government of the People. Elected and Appointed Officials are our Employees, not our 'leaders', and they need to be treated as employees.
Throwing Corrupt Elected and Appointed Officials in Prison is our Duty as Citizens. And when enough Elected and Appointed Officials go to Prison the rest will stop stealing our money and start doing their jobs.
As prevalent as it is; Government Corruption in the 21st Century is a fool's game. Every Penny of Taxpayer Money is Electronically Transferred and is Designated for Specific Purposes.
In the United States we are a Government of the People. Elected and Appointed Officials are our Employees, not our 'leaders', and they need to be treated as employees.
Throwing Corrupt Elected and Appointed Officials in Prison is our Duty as Citizens. And when enough Elected and Appointed Officials go to Prison the rest will stop stealing our money and start doing their jobs.
Read the History of the Citizens' Fight in Beaumont on bcrg.org and the most recent Audits, State Controller's Investigative Report, S.E.C. Subpoenas, and Indictments on beaumontgate.org
The 2012 City of Beaumont Internal Controls Report!
“Misappropriation of Funds” Stated 11 Times!
“The City will not have the working capital to operate if it continues to have operating deficits.”
NO CalPERS Paid In Fiscal Year 2012
Six Significant Deficiencies Listed on 2012 Internal Controls Report:
“...Improperly Transferring Cash from the Community Facilities Capital Project Fund..”
“In the event that the City does not obtain cash flows to support operations, the City could Become Insolvent.”
“The City is Not In Compliance with intended purposes of restricted funds and Misappropriations of Funds could occur.”
Read Internal Controls Report Audit Here: http://www.libionline.net/
Read 2010, 2011, & 2012 Internal Controls Reports Here: http://beaumontgate.org/news/city-of-beaumont-internal-controls-reports-2010-2011-1012-show-misappropriation-of-funds-and-significant-deficiencies/
“Misappropriation of Funds” Stated 11 Times!
“The City will not have the working capital to operate if it continues to have operating deficits.”
NO CalPERS Paid In Fiscal Year 2012
Six Significant Deficiencies Listed on 2012 Internal Controls Report:
“...Improperly Transferring Cash from the Community Facilities Capital Project Fund..”
“In the event that the City does not obtain cash flows to support operations, the City could Become Insolvent.”
“The City is Not In Compliance with intended purposes of restricted funds and Misappropriations of Funds could occur.”
Read Internal Controls Report Audit Here: http://www.libionline.net/
Read 2010, 2011, & 2012 Internal Controls Reports Here: http://beaumontgate.org/news/city-of-beaumont-internal-controls-reports-2010-2011-1012-show-misappropriation-of-funds-and-significant-deficiencies/
Union Bank - It's Time to Open Your Books!
As Bond Trustee: Union Bank is an Agency of the People and All Tax Payer Monies is Accountable and there is no expectation of privacy.
Union Bank will not fulfill a Public Records Request,but they will fulfill a Judge's Court Order.
Read More on Union Bank Page - http://www.libionline.net/union-bank.html
Read The Bond Fund Audits on City of Beaumont Page - http://www.libionline.net/city-of-beaumont-audit.html
Union Bank will not fulfill a Public Records Request,but they will fulfill a Judge's Court Order.
Read More on Union Bank Page - http://www.libionline.net/union-bank.html
Read The Bond Fund Audits on City of Beaumont Page - http://www.libionline.net/city-of-beaumont-audit.html
Riverside District Attorney Destroys Evidence From 6 Year Investigation
For six years the Taxpayers of Beaumont has been pleading with the Riverside District Attorney's Office to investigate the corruption in their local government and for six years the Riverside District Attorney's Office has been throwing the complaints and evidence in the trash. Read More Here: http://www.libionline.net/city-of-beaumont-audit.html
Beaumont Chief Of Police Coe Pays off $21,000 Loan In One Payroll Deduction
Transaction # 234640 lists the remaining $21,474.39 of Beaumont Chief of Police Coe's personal loan paid off on 05/03/13 through a payroll deduction.
Chief of Police Coe makes so much money the city was able to deduct $21,000 from a two-week paycheck? Below Chief Of Police Coe is Councilman Fox's Personal Loan 'Account' through the City of Beaumont. The Upper Brass of the Police Force are given loans in the tens of thousands, but Councilman Fox is only given $100 -$250 Loans.
Chief of Police Coe makes so much money the city was able to deduct $21,000 from a two-week paycheck? Below Chief Of Police Coe is Councilman Fox's Personal Loan 'Account' through the City of Beaumont. The Upper Brass of the Police Force are given loans in the tens of thousands, but Councilman Fox is only given $100 -$250 Loans.
Beaumont July 2nd Council Meeting
The Council Meeting was reminiscent of a B movie scene of the Post-WWII Eastern Block. The Citizens spoke to Council from a podium with a 3:00 timer and green, yellow, & red lights to indicate when the citizen is allowed to talk. There is also a buzzer that is used to drown out the speaker.
At the beginning of the council meeting the buzzer started to sound when the speaker had 5 seconds left of their speech. Then the buzzer started cutting people off with 10 seconds left on their speaking time. One man had 25 seconds left to speak when the buzzer started sounding and the Mayor started yelling at him that his time was up.
Read More Here: http://www.libionline.net/city-of-beaumont-audit.html
At the beginning of the council meeting the buzzer started to sound when the speaker had 5 seconds left of their speech. Then the buzzer started cutting people off with 10 seconds left on their speaking time. One man had 25 seconds left to speak when the buzzer started sounding and the Mayor started yelling at him that his time was up.
Read More Here: http://www.libionline.net/city-of-beaumont-audit.html
Citizens of Beaumont Unite! $300 Million In Debt & We Can't Take It Any More!
http://beaumontgate.org/ http://www.bcrg.org/antislapp.html
Help the Taxpayers of Beaumont Stop the Corruption in their City.
Help the Taxpayers of Beaumont Stop the Corruption in their City.
California State Gas Tax Audit
The first thing a Californian notices when they travel out of state is that the fuel prices drop as soon as they cross the border. Currently fuel prices run $3.50- $3.60/gal in California, $3.27 in Nevada, and $3.00 in Arizona. Why is fuel higher in Cali? Because we have additional state taxes attached to the price of our fuel.
The 1st fuel tax in California was established in 1923 at $.02/gal to fund the state highway system. In 1963 fuel tax increased to $.07/gal with $.05 going to counties. In 1983 state gas tax was raised to $.09/gal
In 1990 the state raised gas tax to $.14/gal to 'reduce traffic congestion & expand public transportation' (sin tax) and by 1994 gas tax was $.18/gal with the excuse of rebuilding after the Northridge earthquake.
State Gas Tax is only to be used for 'transportation-related needs'. In 2004 voters realized the gas tax money was not being used for the attended purposes and enacted Prop 42 to limit use of funds for 'nontransportation-related needs'.
Part of the State requirements for gas tax revenue is that the cities must have separate funds established to track the money. Beaumont uses 'Fund 3', but the account is in such disarray it is of little value use as a reference. From July, 2010 to January, 2013 the Bank Statements show that the City of Beaumont has received $2,912,551.98 in gas tax funds, but the City only lists receiving $1,492,964.02 on the General Ledger.
In the last three years there is not one entry for any road-related work in Fund 3. The only expenses the City of Beaumont shows in Fund 3 is $86,333.00 for 'Administrative Overhead' and $363,018.56 paid to 'Urban Logic Consultants'.
Page 8 of the State Controller's 'Guidelines to Gas Tax Expenditures' states: “Overhead will only be allowed via an approved cost allocation plan or an equitable and auditable distribution of overhead to all departments.” The City can not claim overhead and consulting fees when there was no work performed.
Unfortunately the City of Beaumont is no different than ever other California city. Every City seems to be wasting the Gas Tax Funds instead of using the money for its intended purposes.
The City of Imperial Beach receives $2 Million/year from Gas Tax, but only $300,000 can be traced to items such as 'street signs' and 'asphalt patch'. The other $1.7 Million disappears. Although Citizens have made repeated requests, the City of Imperial Beach refuses to do any road repairs. Last year an alley was so deteriorated that the neighbors took it upon themselves to pay for gravel. The City's response was to fine the neighbors $1,000.00.
The City of La Habra Heights receives $200,000/yr from State Gas Tax, but the General Ledger shows only a few thousand can be traced back to road maintenance. $37,000/yr goes to wages & health care for unknown employees, Maricela Medina, and A.Q. Engineering Consultants who is listed under City Engineer'. There is no justification for any wages to be funneled through the La Habra Heights Gas Tax Fund.
General Ledger for the Fiscal Year 2011 shows La Habra Heights spent only $34,727.42 in additional expenses: $9,190.61 for 'Street Lights', and $8,800.00 to 'California Arborists', $1,157.64 to 'Zumar, Inc', $10,100.53 to the City of Santa Fe Springs, and $2,098.00 to a grant assistance company called 'Bucknam & Associates'.
Fiscal Year 2012 shows La Habra Heights spent $116,189.80 through the Gas Tax Fund, but $50,626.16 was paid the following Consultants: $27,083.66 to NBS, $18,980.00 to Winzler & Kelley, $1,650.00 to GHD Inc, and $1,300.00 to Harrell & Company.
The City of La Habra Heights also receives an additional $80,000/yr for transportation funding through Prop A & C, but the only expenses listed in this Fund are $8,66.63 for wages, $5,737.50 to Maricela Medina. The 'Dial A Ride' program is also operated through this Fund Account.
The current fuel tax rate is $.36/gal. In 2010 the decision to raise fuel taxes were taken from the Taxpayer and given to the California Board of Equalization. The Board has voted to raise gas taxes to $.395/gal on July 1, 2013. The excuse for the increase is “..a $157 Million shortfall in gas-tax revenue in fiscal 2012 and a 'projection' that California drivers will consume less.”
The Board of Equalization did not look to see if the current tax revenue money was spent wisely nor consider how the additional increase would impact the citizenry. Their only focus was want of money.
Taxes are collected for specific purposes, but when those purposes are not addressed by the tax increase the correct action would be to stop the taxes, not increase them.
Please contact your State Representatives to stop the additional Gas Tax taking effect on July 1, 2013 and the elimination of additional taxes given to local governments. If local funding is needed it can be voted on by the local voter.
The 1st fuel tax in California was established in 1923 at $.02/gal to fund the state highway system. In 1963 fuel tax increased to $.07/gal with $.05 going to counties. In 1983 state gas tax was raised to $.09/gal
In 1990 the state raised gas tax to $.14/gal to 'reduce traffic congestion & expand public transportation' (sin tax) and by 1994 gas tax was $.18/gal with the excuse of rebuilding after the Northridge earthquake.
State Gas Tax is only to be used for 'transportation-related needs'. In 2004 voters realized the gas tax money was not being used for the attended purposes and enacted Prop 42 to limit use of funds for 'nontransportation-related needs'.
Part of the State requirements for gas tax revenue is that the cities must have separate funds established to track the money. Beaumont uses 'Fund 3', but the account is in such disarray it is of little value use as a reference. From July, 2010 to January, 2013 the Bank Statements show that the City of Beaumont has received $2,912,551.98 in gas tax funds, but the City only lists receiving $1,492,964.02 on the General Ledger.
In the last three years there is not one entry for any road-related work in Fund 3. The only expenses the City of Beaumont shows in Fund 3 is $86,333.00 for 'Administrative Overhead' and $363,018.56 paid to 'Urban Logic Consultants'.
Page 8 of the State Controller's 'Guidelines to Gas Tax Expenditures' states: “Overhead will only be allowed via an approved cost allocation plan or an equitable and auditable distribution of overhead to all departments.” The City can not claim overhead and consulting fees when there was no work performed.
Unfortunately the City of Beaumont is no different than ever other California city. Every City seems to be wasting the Gas Tax Funds instead of using the money for its intended purposes.
The City of Imperial Beach receives $2 Million/year from Gas Tax, but only $300,000 can be traced to items such as 'street signs' and 'asphalt patch'. The other $1.7 Million disappears. Although Citizens have made repeated requests, the City of Imperial Beach refuses to do any road repairs. Last year an alley was so deteriorated that the neighbors took it upon themselves to pay for gravel. The City's response was to fine the neighbors $1,000.00.
The City of La Habra Heights receives $200,000/yr from State Gas Tax, but the General Ledger shows only a few thousand can be traced back to road maintenance. $37,000/yr goes to wages & health care for unknown employees, Maricela Medina, and A.Q. Engineering Consultants who is listed under City Engineer'. There is no justification for any wages to be funneled through the La Habra Heights Gas Tax Fund.
General Ledger for the Fiscal Year 2011 shows La Habra Heights spent only $34,727.42 in additional expenses: $9,190.61 for 'Street Lights', and $8,800.00 to 'California Arborists', $1,157.64 to 'Zumar, Inc', $10,100.53 to the City of Santa Fe Springs, and $2,098.00 to a grant assistance company called 'Bucknam & Associates'.
Fiscal Year 2012 shows La Habra Heights spent $116,189.80 through the Gas Tax Fund, but $50,626.16 was paid the following Consultants: $27,083.66 to NBS, $18,980.00 to Winzler & Kelley, $1,650.00 to GHD Inc, and $1,300.00 to Harrell & Company.
The City of La Habra Heights also receives an additional $80,000/yr for transportation funding through Prop A & C, but the only expenses listed in this Fund are $8,66.63 for wages, $5,737.50 to Maricela Medina. The 'Dial A Ride' program is also operated through this Fund Account.
The current fuel tax rate is $.36/gal. In 2010 the decision to raise fuel taxes were taken from the Taxpayer and given to the California Board of Equalization. The Board has voted to raise gas taxes to $.395/gal on July 1, 2013. The excuse for the increase is “..a $157 Million shortfall in gas-tax revenue in fiscal 2012 and a 'projection' that California drivers will consume less.”
The Board of Equalization did not look to see if the current tax revenue money was spent wisely nor consider how the additional increase would impact the citizenry. Their only focus was want of money.
Taxes are collected for specific purposes, but when those purposes are not addressed by the tax increase the correct action would be to stop the taxes, not increase them.
Please contact your State Representatives to stop the additional Gas Tax taking effect on July 1, 2013 and the elimination of additional taxes given to local governments. If local funding is needed it can be voted on by the local voter.
Citizens of Beaumont Start Petition Riverside District Attorney To Investigate Corruption
The citizens of Beaumont are petitioning Riverside District Attorney Paul Zellerbach to investigate the corruption of elected and appointed officials. Read and sign Petition here: http://cleanupbeaumont.org/
City of Beaumont Internal Audit: Hidden Check Book, Padded Employee Benefit Expenses, & Million Dollar Money Shifts: http://libionline.net/city-of-beaumont-audit.html
The Citizens of Beaumont have been fighting their city corruption for years. Read about Beaumont: http://beaumontgate.org
The Citizens of Beaumont have been fighting their city corruption for years. Read about Beaumont: http://beaumontgate.org
RECORDS REQUEST - FUEL LOGS
Last year the City spent $224,299.38 for fuel, but insist there are no records to show who used the fuel.: http://libionline.net/follow-the-money-blog.html
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RECORDS REQUEST - CITY ATTORNEY FEES
City Attorney was budgeted at $205,000, but checks add up to $416,548.89 in the last fiscal year. Read More: http://libionline.net/follow-the-money-blog.html
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Dump Accounts Total $5,513,343.29
$5.5 million dollars did not hit any accounts last year. Every tax dollar should be allocated because every tax dollar is used for a specific purpose. Read More:
http://libionline.net/follow-the-money-blog.html |
Ghost Accounts
$1,678,258 total budget
This Department's only use is to hide money. http://libionline.net/rda-blog.html |
CALIFORNIA MARIJUANA: OUR STATE, OUR PRODUCE, OUR MONEY
Throughout California there are local initiatives on the ballots to ease restrictions on the sale & use of marijuana. The State has already established states' rights for California Farmers, Retailers, and Consumers. Now is it time for local governments to allow the free market to prosper. Passing these initiatives is a giant step toward economic recovery, states' rights, and the rights of small businesses & individuals. Laws or restrictions on the individual & business should only be imposed if the costs to self or society outweigh any benefits.
Like wine; marijuana can be grown all over the world, but California is blessed with an ecosystem that produces the finest and most expensive weed on the market. This is a multimillion dollar industry that contributes 5% to state tax and any local taxes imposed.
There are no 'weed wal-marts' selling merchandise from china and taking profits out of our state. Marijuana producers are our neighbors, they take care of their families, and they deserve the same rights and dignity as any other farmer in our state. They work hard and invest their money. They have the right to grow and sell their produce and to live without fear of governmental or personal persecution.
The customers that shop in stores are tax paying citizens and members of our community. Yes, there is a growing demographic of people that are using marijuana instead of pills or chemicals for their illnesses. Good for them. The immediate & long term side effects of marijuana use are minimal. Man-made products can be deadly and often produce physical & emotional side effects that are worse than the original illness.
But the rest of the customers that purchase marijuana are simply adults of legal age.
In this Country we are Free Men. We do not need a reason or 'doctors excuse' to live our lives as we choose. We want the same safety & convenience to purchase marijuana that we have with any other product we choose to consume. The short & long term effects of marijuana to self & society are far less than that of booze or tobacco. Congress has never had the right or power to create restrictions that infringe on the individual rights of man.
Retail stores pay rent, insurance, utilities, taxes, and hire employees. The profit is generated in our state and stays in our state. Marijuana is far less harmful to self & society than booze. A weed store should have no more restrictions than a liquor store.
Government officials suggest that crime will go up if there are marijuana stores, but removing marijuana from the streets will have the opposite effect. Weed stores separate the legitimate producer, retailer, & consumer from the criminals. This will allow law enforcement to better utilize their resources and focus on hard core crime.
Opposition to marijuana initiatives are primarily from individuals and agencies that are funded with tax payer dollars. Government agencies and employees are hired to serve and protect the citizenry, not to sell out the citizenry to the highest bidder.
City Councilmen are elected to represent the best interests of the community, but they are being trained by lobbyists to undermine small business growth & the individual rights of the citizens. Law Enforcement officials are also attempting to block marijuana initiatives for fear of losing their power and control. Law Enforcement's job is to serve and protect the community, not to protect the drug cartels' turf.
The Federal Attorney General's Office threatens California marijuana growers, producers, and retailers with prosecution while supplying drug cartels with weapons and protection from competition. It's time for the selling out of our State and Country to come to an end.
The State of California is criticized for restrictions on the individual and business, but it is not the State that is restricting the free market – it is the local municipalities. It is time for We the People to stand up against government oppression and for the individual rights of man.
Like wine; marijuana can be grown all over the world, but California is blessed with an ecosystem that produces the finest and most expensive weed on the market. This is a multimillion dollar industry that contributes 5% to state tax and any local taxes imposed.
There are no 'weed wal-marts' selling merchandise from china and taking profits out of our state. Marijuana producers are our neighbors, they take care of their families, and they deserve the same rights and dignity as any other farmer in our state. They work hard and invest their money. They have the right to grow and sell their produce and to live without fear of governmental or personal persecution.
The customers that shop in stores are tax paying citizens and members of our community. Yes, there is a growing demographic of people that are using marijuana instead of pills or chemicals for their illnesses. Good for them. The immediate & long term side effects of marijuana use are minimal. Man-made products can be deadly and often produce physical & emotional side effects that are worse than the original illness.
But the rest of the customers that purchase marijuana are simply adults of legal age.
In this Country we are Free Men. We do not need a reason or 'doctors excuse' to live our lives as we choose. We want the same safety & convenience to purchase marijuana that we have with any other product we choose to consume. The short & long term effects of marijuana to self & society are far less than that of booze or tobacco. Congress has never had the right or power to create restrictions that infringe on the individual rights of man.
Retail stores pay rent, insurance, utilities, taxes, and hire employees. The profit is generated in our state and stays in our state. Marijuana is far less harmful to self & society than booze. A weed store should have no more restrictions than a liquor store.
Government officials suggest that crime will go up if there are marijuana stores, but removing marijuana from the streets will have the opposite effect. Weed stores separate the legitimate producer, retailer, & consumer from the criminals. This will allow law enforcement to better utilize their resources and focus on hard core crime.
Opposition to marijuana initiatives are primarily from individuals and agencies that are funded with tax payer dollars. Government agencies and employees are hired to serve and protect the citizenry, not to sell out the citizenry to the highest bidder.
City Councilmen are elected to represent the best interests of the community, but they are being trained by lobbyists to undermine small business growth & the individual rights of the citizens. Law Enforcement officials are also attempting to block marijuana initiatives for fear of losing their power and control. Law Enforcement's job is to serve and protect the community, not to protect the drug cartels' turf.
The Federal Attorney General's Office threatens California marijuana growers, producers, and retailers with prosecution while supplying drug cartels with weapons and protection from competition. It's time for the selling out of our State and Country to come to an end.
The State of California is criticized for restrictions on the individual and business, but it is not the State that is restricting the free market – it is the local municipalities. It is time for We the People to stand up against government oppression and for the individual rights of man.
STATE CONTROLLER'S OFFICE AUDITING TEAM IN IMPERIAL BEACH CITY HALL
A three person team from the State Controllers' office arrived in Imperial Beach last week. This team is auditing the RDA departments only. When I spoke with them on Tuesday they stated the Controllers' Office will be sending down another auditing team to focus on Payroll and the Prop A & Gas tax funds.
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MEETING WITH GRAND JURY ON OCTOBER 10TH
I am scheduled to meet with the San Diego Grand Jury at 10am on October 10th.
The focus of the County Grand Jury is to investigate government corruption on a local level, but they also investigate RDA. |
RDA GRAFFITI REMOVAL AUDIT
The RDA Graffiti Removal Department was created in 2007, but there is no public education program, no paper work or reports, no employees. The graffiti removal procedure is still part of the general maintenance of the city. For the last five years the City of Imperial Beach has budgeted for a department that does not exist.
read more here: http://libionline.net/rda-blog.html |
FINANCE DIRECTOR RESIGNS
Imperial Beach Finance Director Mike McGrane resigned his position on July 5, 2012. The City of Imperial Beach was scheduled to close their books on June 30th. McGrane also holds the position of Treasure and is still working at the City on a contract basis.
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Fire Dept. Budget Padded $1/2 Million
Throughout the Nation Fire Fighters are being targeted as the reason for their city's budget problems - and in some cities it's true. But in Imperial Beach the City Officials are padding our Fire Department's budget by $1/2 million to hide other expenses. Read more here: http://libionline.net/follow-the-money-blog.html
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SPORTS PARK FINANCIALS OVERSTATED $67,000
The City of Imperial Beach list the Sports Park expenses FYE 2011 at $270,762 - which is $21,503 over budget. Payroll and General Fund accounts for the 2010-2011 fiscal year only total $203,596.52 – which is $67,165 under budget. A $67,000 difference may not 'sound' like a lot, but it's 25% of the Sports Park's total budget. Read More Here: http://libionline.net/follow-the-money-blog.html
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SENIOR SERVICES RECEIVES ONLY $136.06 OF 2012 BUDGET
The level of corruption in any
organization can be measured by how those in power treat those that
can not defend themselves. The Senior Services Audit exposes the
sad reality of Imperial Beach City Officials' priorities.
Read more here: http://libionline.net/follow-the-money-blog.html |
What You're Paying For
Internal Audit – Tracking the actual expenditures for the City of Imperial Beach. I will prepare a series of Audit Reports with backup data as the information becomes available.
Hold government official/agencies accountable – We have Local, State, and Federal enforcement agencies to prosecute, depending on where the misspent funds originated. The agencies get thousands of 'allegations' every year, but with the Audit Reports the investigators will have the evidence clearly documented. Blueprint for other Government Entities – Any citizen can learn to audit a government entity, and EVERY government entity needs to be audited by the citizenry. |
Help Pay For the IB Audit
The directly benefit of the Audit will be to Imperial Beach Residents. Our current City Officials are misusing funds and have given themselves the power to take out loans and levee taxes without notifying the citizenry.
Anyone can help with the IB City Audit. Imperial Beach is a beautiful beachfront community, but the current government officials are too corrupt to continue. We've got to start somewhere to end the cycle of corruption. Let's start right here! |
Results Oriented
I started auditing the Financials for the City of IB with my free time in April, 2012. Because of the depth of the situation I've decided to devote all of my time to auditing the City Books and prosecuting those responsible, but I need help covering my expenses. I am asking the Citizenry to assist financially to expedite the IB City Audit.
I am operating as a Sole Proprietor offering auditing services so that Businesses, Homeowners, or anyone that itemizes their taxes can deduct the full amount. The government is our company and we have the right to review the records at any time – and deduct the cost from our taxes. |
Why An Internal Audit?
An Internal Audit is the fast track to cleaning up the City Government. There are very specific laws and guidelines regarding the use of tax payer monies. I will present the Prosecuting Agencies with the allegations, backup data, & analysis and those involved with illegal activity will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
RDA & Successor Agencies
Imperial Beach City Officials' abuse of power and misuse of funds are a perfect example of why Redevelopment Agencies must be closed down. On February 8, 2011 the Legislative Analysis Office issued a report explaining the background of the Redevelopment Agencies – RDA's ; their original purpose, what they have morphed into, and why they are being eliminated. http://www.lao.ca.gov/analysis/2011/realignment/redevelopment_020911.aspx “Redevelopment agencies lack some of the key accountability and transparency elements common to other local agencies. Specifically, unlike other local agencies, redevelopment agencies can incur debt without voter approval. Redevelopment agencies can also redirect property tax revenues from schools and other local agencies without voter approval or the consent of the local agencies. Our elected and appointed Officials have declared the entire City of Imperial Beach 'blight' so they can take out loans and raise property taxes without voter approval. Assembly Bill 26 was enacted on June 29, 2011 to dissolve Redevelopment Agencies. On August 3, 2011 the IB City Council passes Ordinance No. 2011-1121 to circumvent AB26. The City of Imperial Beach lists on the 'Approved Budget Fiscal Year 2011-2012' report 13.3 positions drawing from the RDA; but the salaries add up to $1.3 Million. That's $97,750 per person. Pages 114 & 116 of the Budget show the Mayor, Council Members, City Clerk, City Manager, City Planner, Code Compliance, Finance Supervisor, Finance Director, Community Development Director, and Associate Planner are diverting part of their salaries to RDA . The only reason they could possible have for this move would be to circumvent the State wage limits and hide their misuse of funds |
What We Know:
- $400,000 more wages paid out than allowed by law in 2010
- $1.3 Million in salaries for Council & Appointed Officials moved to RDA to circumvent State Wage Limits. - Hidden Payroll Account - Falsely Ratifying Check Warrants. - Entire City declared 'blight' to allow City to take loans & raise taxes without Voter approval or notification. - City Attorneys material misstatement of $267, 925 on Financial Statements FYE 06/30/11 - City Attorney Fees Budgeted at $205,000, but over $600,000 City Attorney paid in fees so far this year. - $1.75 Million in State Gas Tax & Prop A funding can not be tracked. GAAP vs INTERNAL
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It Started With the Art Kids
I stumbled upon Imperial Beach a couple years ago. I have a 95lb Siberian Husky, so it's hard to find a place to rent in San Diego. But IB is a very dog friendly town. It has a great dog beach and most businesses accommodate dogs. I planned to design a line of clothes & accessories for the new resort that is scheduled to open at the 1st of the year.
On April 14, 2012 I read an article in The Patch written by Howard Woodward, the man that runs 'The Art Kids of San Diego County'. I didn't know about the Art Kids per se, but I've seen their work all over town; they do beautiful murals on the sides of homes and businesses and they paint murals on all of the electrical boxes scattered throughout the city. Since 2003 Howard has been giving art lessons in the park 9-11am Saturdays. One day the City's Code Compliance division shows up on his doorstep with a list of ordinance violations; tickets the Art Kids and bans them from the park until they are 'up to code'. Howard paid the fine, complied with their request and The City still refused to allow the kids to meet in the park. This is not a corporation or a multimillion dollar business. This is an old man that's gives art lessons to a dozen kids in the park on Saturday mornings. He had to hire a lawyer for an issue that should have needed no legal representation. And since the art programs have been eliminated from the schools in Imperial Beach this is the only 'art program' available to the children. You can tell the level of corruption in any organization by the way they treat those that can't defend themselves. Assuming that Howard just didn't know how to get through the system I call City Hall myself. The Mayor should simply step in and grant the Art Kids access to the park until whatever paperwork problem the City has created is cleared up. That afternoon Greg Wade – who carries the duel titles of Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director – returned my call. He stated there was a compliant made that the Art Kids were 'using all the benches' and 'wasting taxpayer dollars'. I stated to him on behalf of all Taxpayers: “We pay taxes so that kids have a safe place to gather on Saturday mornings.” I asked for the Docket Number of the Complaint. He had no docket number. I asked for the Date of the Complaint. He had no date. I asked for the Name of Complainant. He stated that information was 'confidential'. Incorrect. Not confidential information. And that was the trigger. The City's treatment of the Art Kids is what prompted me to start requesting records and auditing the books. I just never expected many levels of corruption. The Art Kids now drive to another City to meet in a park. They could not come to an agreement with the City. Not one Council Member had the decency to step in on behalf of the Art Kids. IBCA
Imperial Beach is encapsulated by nature: The Tijuana Estuary on the South, the YMCA Camp Surf & Silver Strand State Beach to the North, and two miles of sandy beaches along the Western shore. The ocean is dotted with surfers, swimmers, dolphins, & seals. Sparse vehicular traffic makes IB an idea holiday spot for families, nature lovers, or anyone looking for a peaceful atmosphere for a couple hours or a couple decades.
“IB has always been corrupt” is the common response to this city's government. My Dentist told me a retired City Manager tried to step in to help Imperial Beach but gave up in disgust – and that was 30 years ago. More shocking than the depth of corruption I've found is the arrogance displayed by our City Officials. The City of IB has a reputation of denying access to public records and 'target marketing' the poor & disadvantaged. I'm told that others have tried to 'fight city hall' but never made any progress and eventually just give up. But why? Imperial Beach is the size of a medium company. It only has 126 employees – and that's counting the Lifeguards and Beach Clean-up Crew. There's no reason why IB can't run efficiently and profitable, but the we are going to have to step in ourselves because the government officials, whether elected or appointed, are not going to invite us. |
Libi Uremovic
A College Professor once asked me why I didn't go into politics. I replied: “Because I couldn't stand the company that I would keep.”
I didn't plan to go down this road, but now that I see the depth of IB City Officials' abuse of power & misuse of funds I know that I need to finish. We can no longer continue to stand back while our government officials pillage the coffers. It's not that our taxes are too low or that our services are too grand – it's corruption. I was raised in Northern California. I have a Bachelor's in Accounting and a Masters' in Administration.
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