During the recent Air Pollution Control Board meeting held on September 9, 2025, concerns were raised regarding the management of public funds and the accountability of agency leaders. A resident expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived discrepancies in compensation among management staff, specifically highlighting that three managers received significantly higher "other pay" compared to their peers.

The resident pointed out that in February 2024, managers Ali Gassini, Nancy Mendoza, and Leonila Matharang collectively earned $97,177 in additional pay, with individual amounts exceeding double that of the average for other management team members. This disparity has raised questions about the fairness and transparency of compensation practices within the agency.

The resident also called for clarity on the agency's administrative leave policy, questioning how often this leave is utilized and whether proper approvals are consistently obtained. They urged the board to engage a third-party review of these compensation issues and to establish a standing agenda item for future meetings to keep the public informed about the actions taken in response to these concerns.

This call for accountability reflects a broader demand from the community for transparency in how public resources are managed, emphasizing the need for responsible oversight to protect public health and ensure taxpayer trust. As the board moves forward, it will be crucial to address these issues to maintain community confidence in the agency's operations.