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Edward BoumendilCity Council · District 1ES
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Campaign position on fiscal responsibility

A $724,350 Park Restroom?

Edward Boumendil questions the $724,350 approved budget for a Guy J. Tedesco Park restroom and calls for tougher scrutiny of taxpayer spending.

By Desert Hot Springs, California
Torn tan shade canopies hang above picnic tables in a Desert Hot Springs park, with a public restroom, trees, and mountains in the background
Damaged shade canopies hang above picnic tables near a public park restroom in Desert Hot Springs.

In brief

In 2023, the City Council approved $724,350 for one park restroom, a $658,500 construction bid plus a 10% contingency.

Why I would have voted no.

Yes, Guy J. Tedesco Park needed a new restroom.

But a needed public facility is not a blank check.

I’m an engineer. I understand what goes into constructing a building like this, and $724,350 is far too much.

I would have voted no to the Tedesco Fiasco.

Just look at Yucca Valley. It built a comparable public restroom for $294,409, nearly half a million dollars less.

Fiscal responsibility means asking tough questions, demanding real value and protecting every taxpayer dollar.

That is the standard I will bring to City Hall.

Sources

Read the underlying material.

  1. DHS Councilor Opposes $724,000 RestroomUken Report · February 13, 2023
  2. Old Town Beautification and Sustainability ProjectTown of Yucca Valley