The opposition group Save Sakai Community & Sports Center is just as determined to set the record straight.

It has contacted Bob Ferguson, state attorney general, and Pat McCarthy, state auditor, asking them to step in and stop the sale of the Bainbridge Athletic Club because it would allegedly be a misuse of public funds.

In the letter, the coalition of Bainbridge Island residents says the $13.5 million sale exceeds the BI Metro Parks & Recreation District’s authority to spend nearly $4 million on intangible business assets owned by the private club that runs the BAC.

The opposition also says the purchase of the intangible business assets—which are of little or no value to the district—represents an unconstitutional gift of public funds in violation of the state Constitution.

The letter to the state leaders brings up other complaints, too, such as the district not involving the public and not being transparent about details like financing. “The lack of transparency is very concerning given that the district has most-recently said that the purchase will be funded with general obligation bonds that may ultimately fall on the public to repay.”

The coalition’s letters also complains that the purchase of BAC could hurt plans to build a similar facility at Sakai Park.

In conclusion, the letter asks the attorney general and auditor offices to investigate to determine if it’s a misuse of public funds. “If you concur with our evaluation, we ask that you require the district to abandon the sale.”

The letter is signed by David A. Bricklin and Bryan Telegin of Bricklin & Newman, LLP, and ends asking the state leaders to keep them informed as they are considering other legal options.