Last night, the Morongo Valley Community Services District Board of Directors held their regular meeting in Covington Park’s multipurpose room.
The meeting began with International Association of Firefighters Union State Rep Kevin Fugate offering his support to the stretched thin Morongo Valley Fire Department who are currently facing temporary shift layoffs. Fugate informed the Board of various grants he could assist with, including FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant that Fugate stated is offering $325,000,000 for districts in need.
The good news continued with Fire Chief McEachen’s report, stating the arrival of various reimbursement checks, $2000 in from collections sent to non-resident emergencies, and over the weekend $516 was raised at the car wash fundraiser, matched by Small Town Grill for a total of $1032.00.
With more grant money arriving, Finance Director Johnny Tolbert reported positive developments for the district, stating that even with the three pay periods for the month of May, “we got in more than we put out,” confirming that “the spending freeze is working.”
The Board discussed reapplying for the Federal Excess Personal Property Program, expressing concerns with maintenance and insurance for apparatuses on loan. With the district in current need of upgrades, President Gorke made a motion to approve the resolution authorizing application for the program, which the Board approved 5/0.
After the public hearing for the Preliminary Budget for 2024-25, the Board reviewed and approved the budget and adopted the Workforce Reduction Policy in accordance with the district’s MOU and IAFF Local 5028. The Board voted 5/0 to eliminate one firefighter shift position while gaining one reserve shift, adjusting payroll taxes as a result. IAFF State Rep Kevin Fugate lent his insight and potential assistance again, suggesting near future collaboration with the Board.
