A spending scandal came to a head at West Haven City Hall Thursday, as the state board that took over city finances in May accused city leaders of stonewalling them.

After a former city employee was charged with stealing more than $500,000 in COVID relief funds, an outside audit concluded more than 80% of the city's relief funds were misspent on things like a marching band and even pool supplies.

The Municipal Accountability Review Board warned that department heads could lose their jobs.

"Are people qualified to do the positions and the roles that they have? If you have an accounts payable person, is it a qualified accounts payable person, or are we just moving a clerk from one position to another position, " said Kimberly Kennison, Municipal Accountability Review Board member.

To balance the books, West Haven residents are facing tax increases. In the meantime, the city is already implementing changes but not all are on the same page. 

"There is an issue of culture in West Haven that needs to be changed. In my view, these plans do not address that issue," said Robert White, MARB Member.

Will it be enough to keep City Hall members content? Only time with tell.