The Fresno Council of Governments (COG) office in downtown Fresno is facing a severe infestation of rats, cockroaches, and human feces. Staffers have reported finding live mice in their desks, rat droppings on work surfaces, and an overall sense of unease in the workplace.

Unsanitary Conditions

The COG office, which is responsible for planning the region’s transportation system, is located above a shuttered casino in a building owned by local developer Tom Richards. Despite the agency’s importance, the working conditions are far from ideal. Staffers have described the office as a ‘shithole’ and expressed concerns about their safety and well-being.

The infestation is not limited to rats and cockroaches. Homeless individuals have been found sleeping in the office, and human feces have been discovered in the elevators. The situation has become so dire that a security guard has been stationed outside the office to prevent further incidents.

Lack of Action

Despite the severity of the situation, the COG board, led by Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, has signed a new five-year lease with Richards’ company. The lease is worth approximately $1.3 million and does not include any provisions for addressing the infestation. Staffers have expressed frustration and disappointment with the board’s decision, citing the lack of action taken to address the unsanitary conditions.

The COG executive director, Robert Phipps, has argued that the severe conditions are a result of the surrounding vacant buildings, rather than the agency’s indifference. However, staffers dispute this claim, stating that the infestation is a direct result of the building’s poor maintenance and the landlord’s failure to address the issue.

Original reporting: Fresnoland — read the source article.