Last night in Morongo Valley, the Community Services District board approved a plan to put a flat tax proposal to voters this June. The proposed annual $350 per parcel tax must win a two-thirds majority to pass. If approved, it would replace the current property assessment. Revenue generated would be used to keep the Morongo Valley Fire Department operational at current service levels. The decision to move forward with the plan was not unanimous, with director Karen Lowe opposed. During director’s comments, Lowe surprised all by announcing her resignation from the CSD board. Reading from a prepared statement, she cited personal reasons and said the decision was a difficult one. Also last night, a mid-year budget review showed the CSD operating in the black with revenue outpacing expenses by $3,000. The sobering reality, however, is that the positive balance was made possible due to a voluntary $4,000 salary cut by General Manager Donna Munoz. This is the third time Munoz has made such a sacrifice for the Community Services District.
