S
onoma County's largest employee union has filed a whistleblower complaint with the county auditor, alleging officials are poised to overpay by up to $19 million for a building near Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport.

    The purchase is part of a three-building, $114 million real estate deal that has drawn scrutiny due in part to conflict-of-interest allegations involving Supervisor David Rabbitt. The Service Employees International Union Local 1021 opposes the proposed purchase of the American AgCredit building at 400 Aviation Blvd., citing a county-hired appraiser's estimate that the county's offer exceeds the building's market value by millions.

    The union argues that taxpayer dollars should be redirected to public services, such as airport safety improvements, social services, and road repairs. "The $19 million could instead be spent on making our airport safer, caring for those in crisis, repairing roads, serving veterans, and more," said union chapter president Travis Balzarini.

    County officials previously valued the three-story American AgCredit building at $46.1 million, but a December 2024 appraisal from Ward Levy Appraisal Group puts its value at $37 million. The proposed purchase price is $56.1 million, including $10 million for art, furniture, and equipment.

    The union claims the purchase violates a county ordinance requiring officials to obtain the lowest reasonable price for acquisitions and cites conflict-of-interest allegations that led the Board of Supervisors to delay a scheduled vote in January. The broader real estate deal has raised concerns about pay-to-play politics due to Rabbitt's campaign contributions from a developer tied to one of the properties.

    The Board of Supervisors is set to reconsider the deal on March 25, although Chair Lynda Hopkins said that date remains tentative. She has requested additional information and an inventory of items being purchased with the $10 million earmarked for art, furniture, and repairs.