Back to the voters for another try at an increase in the tax that supports the fire department–that’s the recommendation the Twentynine Palms Water District Citizens Advisory Committee. Reporter Dan Stork was present at the final meeting, and fills out the details…
Starting at the current base of $80 per parcel per year, increase the special tax for fire services in the Twentynine Palms Water District to $141.20 over three years. Then allow the Water District Board to tack on a maximum 3 percent increase per year, at its discretion, following public notice and discussion. That’s the substance of a ballot measure that a Citizens Advisory Committee will recommend to the Twentynine Palms Water District Board of Directors at its next meeting. At its final meeting, the five-member committee—Mary Reeves, chairman Adam Lunn, Randy Leazer, Tony Jimenez, and Larry Bowden—worked with Fire Chief Jim Thompson to polish the language of the CAC’s 5-page final report. The report says that the recommended tax will allow the re-opening of the Lear station, and the restoration of the previously-provided level of fire and emergency services for an extended period of years. The report is filled out with calls for community and City participation in the affairs of the fire department. With a nod to the sparse audience—consisting of Water Board Directors Chancey Chambers and Suzie Horn, CJ Horn, and City Council Member Cora Heiser, Chief Thompson said, “My recommendation to the Board of Directors is, if we do not get any more community input than this, that we have right here, my recommendation to the Board is going to be, don’t waste the time or money to put something on the ballot.” The report concludes with a description of the dire consequences of all other support scenarios that were considered.
FIRE TAX OF $141.20 A YEAR, WITH INCREASES, RECOMMENDED FOR TWENTYNINE PALMS FIRE DEPARTMENT
