AUBURN —A resident sharply criticized the Auburn City Council and city administration during citizens’ communications at Tuesday’s meeting, making unsubstantiated allegations of favoritism and calling for greater scrutiny of the city’s finances.
Robert Wilkins said Auburn operates through what he called a “good old boy system.”
“The good old boy system is still alive and well,” Wilkins said. “We’re denying the extraordinary talent that we have in the city so we can play favorites. This has got to stop.”
Wilkins also criticized a proposed amendment to the city’s 2026-27 biennial budget and questioned the creation of a city legal department. He called for a more extensive, forensic-style audit of city finances and raised concerns about what he described as wasteful spending and large reserve funds.
During the exchange, Wilkins alleged, without providing evidence, that Auburn police officers were transporting homeless people to Tigertown and leaving them there.
Mayor Ron Anders challenged Wilkins to support the claim.
“Do you have proof of that?” Anders asked. “Have you seen it?”
“No, I haven’t seen it,” Wilkins replied.
Councilmember Bob Parsons also challenged a statement Wilkins allegedly made in a recent interview that 75% of workers in Auburn’s industries were from foreign countries. Wilkins did not provide evidence to support the claim during the meeting.
Councilmember Tyler Adams rejected Wilkins’ accusations against the council and city officials.
“These are elected people trying to do their best work on behalf of the citizens they represent,” Adams said. “As for the homeless accusation, we do not drop people off in Tigertown. That’s ludicrous. It is untrue.”
Adams said he had never instructed the police chief or public safety director to transport homeless people to another city.
City Manager Jennifer Haines defended Auburn’s relationship with neighboring Opelika, saying the communities cooperate on public safety matters.
