Twentynine Palms City Council approves council pay raise as it hears rising concerns around FLOCK cameras and proposed solar project
After 24 years, the Twentynine Palms City Council gave itself a raise. Since 2002, council members have received $465 per month for fulfilling their duties. An increase to $950 was discussed as the number aligns with state guidelines regarding council pay for towns smaller than 35,000 and considers average council pay for neighboring regions. Despite support from residents – including former councilmember Joel Klink who initially proposed the increase as his final official act in December 2024 – a first pass at the vote failed.
Pushback came from within as Councilmembers Steven Bilderain, McArthur Wright and Mayor Daniel Mintz all expressed discomfort when the city is being mindful of expenses and considering a sales tax increase. Councilmember April Ramirez noted that the monthly allowance does help with expenses such as gas and child care and proposed an amount of $825. Council ultimately approved $700 per month which will not go into effect until December after the November elections.
Once again, Public Comments featured a steady stream of residents who expressed deep concerns over the use of FLOCK surveillance cameras and a proposed solar farm within city limits. They are asking the council to make these agenda items or host a town hall on the issues.
During the City Manager Update, Councilmember Octavious Scott asked Stone James for an update on a requested presentation from the sheriff’s department on FLOCK. James stated that he would look into that.
The remainder of the meeting included acknowledgements of Women’s History Month and Irish-American Heritage Month, plus a departmental update from Building Inspector/Permit Technician Cameron Hepperly.
The next meeting of the Twentynine Palms City Council will be on a Monday, March 23rd, and not the usual Tuesday.
