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-Editorial
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved two resolutions related to the continued operation of the Imperial Center Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District (LLMD) for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Board adopted a resolution approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for fiscal year 2025-2026. The report outlines the district’s services, including street lighting, landscaping, irrigation, graffiti removal, and general maintenance of public spaces. In addition, the Board declared its intent to levy and collect annual assessments from property owners within the district.
The approved assessment for fiscal year 2025-2026 is $2,749.01 per acre, reflecting a 3.3% increase in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2025. According to county officials, the increase is part of a pre-approved inflation adjustment included in the district’s original formation in 2014.
Because the formula allowing for annual CPI-based adjustments was approved at the time of formation—and no majority protest was received—the assessment increase is not considered a new or increased assessment under California law. Therefore, it is not subject to the notice, protest, or public hearing requirements outlined in California Constitution Article XIII D, Section 4, and Government Code Section 53753.
The LLMD was established to provide essential maintenance services for properties within its boundaries, and funding is collected annually through property assessments. County officials emphasized that the action will not impact the General Fund, as all costs will be offset by the assessments levied within the district.
Labor Negotiations Reach Critical Stage
While Imperial County faces the possibility of a strike by its workers amid ongoing labor negotiations, Supervisor Jesús Eduardo Escobar attended the meeting. Although he did not address the sexual harassment allegations made against him by former County Clerk Blanca Acosta, the matter was referenced by some employees who spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Charlene Valle, a 14-year employee with the county, delivered a statement on behalf of over 1,000 county workers, expressing deep frustration over what she described as years of being “ignored, disrespected, and left behind.” Valle highlighted the 2023 approval of a 36% raise for the Clerk of the Board, amounting to roughly $11,000 a month, and a 50% raise for the assistant, which she said sparked outrage not because of the raises themselves, but due to the disregard shown to frontline employees.
“We are the backbone of this county,” Valle said, listing critical services performed by workers in public health, mental health, child protective services, and infrastructure. She pointed to a 92% rejection of the county’s latest 3% wage proposal as a “mandate” from the workforce, and connected worsening morale to the April 2025 termination of the board clerk and a sexual harassment lawsuit filed the same day as the contract vote. “This is a crisis of priorities,” Valle warned. “If you don’t act, we are ready to strike. Our voices will be heard loud and clear.”
Patricia Carrillo criticized the board leadership for what she called a “disgraceful” double standard between top-level officials and frontline workers. “You expect county workers to follow the rules, yet those at the top aren’t held to the same standards,” Carrillo said.
She expressed outrage that taxpayer money might be spent on individuals who have violated public trust, while essential workers are denied fair raises. Drawing from her personal experience as a single mother who once faced foreclosure and relied on public assistance despite working for the county, Carrillo urged the board to reconsider inflated executive salaries and instead invest in frontline employees. “We are a poor community, not San Diego or San Francisco,” she said. “Workers here are already stretched thin, and with more residents expected to rely on public aid, they’ll be doing the job of three people with the resources of one.”
Chairman John Hawk highlighted the importance of leadership in times of adversity. Acknowledging the challenges currently facing the region, Hawk emphasized that such moments require unity, discipline, and a shared commitment to service.
He drew inspiration from his high school wrestling coach, who instilled values of hard work, punctuality, and integrity, coaching athletes as individuals, not just for their talent. That experience, Hawk noted, underscored the power of teamwork and character, leading a small school to success through collective effort rather than individual ability.
Hawk likened that approach to the present-day work of county government, encouraging officials and staff to see themselves as part of a larger team. With Dr. Kathleen Lange now serving as the county’s new administrative leader, he underscored the importance of working together under shared values: following the rules, showing up, and putting in the work.
He also called for a continued spirit of servant leadership, referencing the recent tragedy in Texas and praising the leadership of Governor Greg Abbott for his response. Hawk reminded all in county service to stay rooted in their commitment to the public good, especially in difficult times.
Supervisor Ryan Kelley called on the community to reject complacency and embrace action. He acknowledged that recent events have cast uncertainty over local institutions and challenged public confidence. In response, Kelley urged a firm commitment to accountability, transparency, and public service grounded in the common good, not personal gain.
He emphasized that public service is a responsibility, not a reward, and that those who breach the public trust must face full accountability. Kelley rejected the notion of waiting for controversy to fade, calling instead for proactive reform and a deeper examination of systemic issues. For the county to move forward, he said, it must go beyond surface fixes and address the root causes of institutional failure.
To those currently serving in government, Kelley issued a challenge: rise to the occasion or step aside for those willing to lead with integrity. He called for a unified effort to rebuild public trust, strengthen institutions, and stand resilient in the face of adversity.
Affirming his belief in Imperial County’s strength and potential, Kelley described the region as a resilient force—shaped by its people, sustained by hard work, and capable of rising above any scandal or setback. He concluded by reminding the public that while the work of reform is never finished, it remains essential and worthwhile.