LiNC program

Called the LiNC program 'a bridge too far' and a pipe dream, warning of litigation and state receivership if the county follows through.

A fourth-generation Brawley farmer supported the program, saying farmers welcome compatible industry and that the lithium excise tax was set when lithium was worth far more than today's $21,500 a ton.

Compared the program to trickle-down economics and questioned giving incentives to companies that may never build.

Spoke for the Building and Construction Trades Council in support, citing local hire agreements and apprenticeship opportunities.

Asked the board to deny or continue the item, arguing the county is handing back up to $100 million to a heavily subsidized industry while communities are shortchanged.

Raised governance concerns, questioning whether department heads were pressured to support the item and whether the outcome was prearranged, and demanded independent fiscal analysis.

Opposed the item, calling the up-to-$110-million refunds 'corporate socialism' and saying Lithium Valley needs to be responsible, not competitive.

Questioned the subjective projections, warned mining harms communities, and noted Tesla's new battery technology could make lithium obsolete.

Spoke in support on behalf of IBEW Local 569.

Of Los Amigos, asked the board to table the item for 30 days so the coalition could analyze the numbers and build community buy-in.

Of the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation, supported the program, saying incentives make good projects feasible and citing examples like Stellantis choosing Argentina over the valley.

Executive director of Comité Cívico del Valle, called it corporate welfare but asked for a 30-day continuance, performance-based incentives, and preserved funding for public services.

Called the program experimental and questioned whether county staff can implement and audit it properly.

Speaking for the Power Coalition, asked for a 30-day continuance, enforceable community benefits, and prioritizing directly affected communities.

Speaking for Energy Source Minerals, supported the program, saying the company would still pay roughly $22 million a year in property and lithium taxes and expects to create 250-plus jobs.

Dean at Imperial Valley College, took no position but described IVC's lithium-focused plant operator, instrumentation, and chemical technician programs and a new bachelor's degree.

Asked pointed questions about whether the rebates come out of the same funds the sheriff seeks for public safety, and accused the board of inconsistency on $6 million versus $7 million.