City workers from the Department of Public Works voiced their frustrations at City Hall, claiming they are underpaid, understaffed and underappreciated. “This is not right, this is not fair,” they said during a hearing.

Two years ago, the mayor showed little interest in discussing the state of the department. “DPW has the money that they need,” the mayor said at the time, launching the Clean Corps initiative. This initiative allocated $15 million in COVID relief funds to nonprofit organizations to help clean up the city, matching the amount given to the DPW. However, the Inspector General recently reported that DPW facilities were in deplorable condition.

City Councilman Yitzy Schleifer criticized the Clean Corps initiative recently, calling it a “complete waste of money.”

Giving the funds to the Clean Corps “was at the expense of DPW that could’ve used that money for new equipment and supplies,” Schleifer said. “Instead, it went to groups that, some did some good work, but others, that money is just missing.”

The nonprofit Lazarus Rite was ordered to return $129,000 to the city after the Inspector General revealed the funds were never spent on trash collection.

As communities struggle with increasing trash, Councilman Schleifer is calling for nonprofits to be held accountable, while city workers continue fighting for improved conditions.

Have a news tip? Contact reporter Jeff Abell at jabell@sbgtv.com.