Trinidad resident accuses city inspector of unethical work and conflict of interest

A Trinidad resident used the public comment period at the Jan. 14 city council meeting to accuse the city building inspector of unethical practices, unprofessional conduct and performing substandard work at her home — allegations that prompted the mayor to request an internal review.

Eva Campbell, who told the council she has lived in Trinidad for 56 years and had never spoken at a meeting before, leveled the accusations against building inspector Jeremy Mascarenas. Campbell said Mascarenas performed contract construction at her house without pulling required permits, charged her $5,375, and left work that did not meet the city’s building codes. She said she subsequently spent $4,000 to repair the damage. “Citizens like myself need protection from Jeremy’s unethical practices and shoddy work,” Campbell said. “I may not be the only person that he’s done this to.”

Another resident, Mike Garrett, spoke in support of Campbell and urged the city to consider whether Mascarenas should remain in his official role while operating a private construction business. Mayor Cy Michaels asked City Manager Tara Marshall to look into the complaint; Marshall confirmed the city was already conducting a review. Mascarenas has not responded to requests for comment.

The allegation raises core questions about oversight, conflict of interest and public trust in municipal code enforcement. Building inspectors are charged with ensuring work meets safety and code standards and with verifying permits on active jobsites; if an inspector also operates in the private construction market, reviewers say the arrangement can create perceived or actual conflicts that undermine confidence in inspections and permit processes.

For homeowners and local contractors the local impact is immediate. Campbell’s account highlights potential safety and economic consequences when work falls short of code: additional repair costs for property owners, uncertainty about permit status, and a chilling effect on residents’ willingness to rely on municipal enforcement. For the city, the situation creates pressure to demonstrate transparent procedures for complaint intake, investigation, discipline and conflict-of-interest resolution.

The city manager’s review will determine whether the allegations warrant administrative action, policy changes, or a broader audit of past permits and inspections tied to Mascarenas. Council members may face pushback from residents demanding clearer separation between city enforcement roles and private contracting, and the handling of this case could influence public engagement and scrutiny in future local elections.

Residents seeking more information should monitor upcoming council agendas, request public records on permits and inspections, and attend meetings where the review’s findings are discussed. What happens next will shape how Trinidad balances small-town work networks with the accountability mechanisms that protect homeowners and public safety.