Tensions were high last night during the Twentynine Palms Water District’s meeting about the Fire Department. The Board of Directors is considering four options to raise funds needed to continue operations of the Fire Department. Three of the options include a tax increase, while the fourth option is to do nothing. Director Bo Bourikas said the Fire Department would only be able to sufficiently operate past Fiscal Year 2018-2019 if revenues are not increased. Bourikas said he doesn’t like any of these options, but, he added, he doesn’t have an answer. Director Suzi Horn said she relies on the Fire Department for her health and safety. She said the board wants to keep the Fire Department open, but she’s starting to feel like they are the only ones who do. Despite spending more than $100,000 on ballot measures to increase the fire department’s funding, the Directors agreed that more public education is needed or there is no hope of any tax measures getting passed. The Board plans to meet April 30 to discuss the matter the issue again. On the water department side, the month of May has been declared Water Awareness Month. This is an opportunity for the Water District to educate the public about water conservation. Keep a lookout for the Water District newsletter for tips on how to conserve water and what water conservation means to our community.
