Morongo Valley Fire Chief Jim Brakebill was the guest on last Friday’s (March 4) Up-Close Show, where he discussed the Morongo Valley Community Services District and the controversy surrounding his position. Reporter Jef Harmatz recaps the interview.
Chief Brakebill discussed his recent appointment to the dual role of General Manager of the Morongo Valley CSD and Fire Chief of the Morongo Valley Fire Department. Brakebill took on the job in December, but many in Morongo Valley residents feel that the job should be given to two different paid employees to enhance oversight of the CSD. When asked his thoughts on his dual role, Brakebill said
“I would recommend splitting the two.”
He also discussed the origins of the Morongo Valley Community Services District, its functions, and the ways that it serves not just the citizens of Morongo Valley, but the large number of visitors and people passing through along Highway 62. More than half of the fire department’s calls are now for accidents along the highway, and Brakebill explained a new initiative to relieve some of the financial stress that tourism has put onto the rural fire department.
“When I took over as fire chief, I initiated a cost recovery program, so if you get involved in an incident, and you’re not a tax paying citizen of the Morongo Valley Community Services District, you do receive a bill for our services.”
You can hear Chief Brakebill’s full interview by listening to the Up-Close Show as a podcast on z1077fm.com
