MVCSD approves agreement with Arrowbear Lake County Fire Chief “guaranteed” to create alternative revenue

Last night, The Morongo Valley Community Services District Board of Directors held their regular meeting at Covington Park’s multipurpose room, where they announced the acquisition of a new fire engine, reorganized Board titles, and approved an agreement with Arrowbear Fire Department Chief Lindley to secure alternative revenue. Reporter Gabriel Hart was in attendance and has this recap.

In the wake of new board director Randi Wilson being voted in last month, a reorganization took place. Wilson will take over as Park Commissioner, and after a quick vote, the remaining board members retained their seats: Christina Gorke as President, Lance Fisher as Vice President, Johnny Tolbert as Finance Director, and Steve Haydon as Fire Commissioner. 

Morongo Valley Fire Chief Caltabiano announced the department would be receiving a new Type 3 Fire Engine through the Federal Excess Property Program (FEPP). Since the department’s other fire apparatus is still proving irreparable, this comes as perfect timing, though the new Type 3 will require all new equipment with manageable repairs Caltabiano says the crew can handle in house. 

Chief Caltabiano introduced Arrowbear Lake Fire Chief Paul Lindley for the Board to consider a one-year support agreement with Lindley, where he stated he will help the MVCSD and Fire Department find alternative revenue sources through grants and other routes outside of bonds, measures, or cap increases. While Lindley would charge the MVCSD $50 an hour at fifteen hours a month, potentially totaling $9000 at the end of the year, he “guaranteed” they would see substantial results by December. 

“When I took over as Fire Chief four years ago, my annual operating budget was $289,000. My operating budget this year is $738,000 and that’s with no additional tax increase or assessments. That’s all alternative revenue sources. So my goal is to help the Chief and the District to bring that type of education to benefit your community. Coming from Arrowbear, we’re the same kind of community: single station, small staff, limited funds, limited abilities… I guarantee you that by the time we hit December you guys are going to see that (money) already in your accounts through agreements and everything else we’re gonna get your department involved in to ensure that you have a steady revenue flow,” said Lindley. 

Enthused with Lindley’s presentation, the Board approved the Interagency Fire Administrative Agreement between the Morongo Valley CSD and Arrowbear Lake County Water District, with whom Lindley is Chief for their Fire Department.