Governing from a safe social distance—they sat six feet apart and all wore face masks—the Twentynine Palms City Council gathered last night primarily to discuss the city’s fiscal response to COVID-19. Reporter Heather Clisby was there…
The Twentynine Palms City Council met last night in an otherwise empty chamber and discussed the financial realities in light of COVID-19. City Manager Frank Luckino detailed staff recommendations on budget cuts to address the decrease in projected revenue.
Though the city has undesignated reserves of $6 million, the near-standstill of tourism brings a significant revenue shortfall through June. Thus, the council unanimously approved budget transfers from several projects and purchases, namely: Trails Flood Control Plan, Animal Control Quarantine Building, Amboy and Hatch/Sullivan bike paths, El Sol curb and gutter, playground equipment, and the electronic sign.
With the resulting savings of over $860,000, $100,000 will be retained to replace the roof and repair the Animal Control Building as that was deemed necessary. The remaining funds will be divided equally between the COVID-19 Stabilization Fund and Project Phoenix, at $380K each.
Attending remotely, Supervisor Dawn Rowe gave an update on the drive-through testing for COVID-19 on April 22 at Copper Mountain College. There will be a 48-hour window for residents with symptoms to make appointments. Rowe urged residents to stay updated at the County’s COVID-19 website, sbcovid19.com.
Responding to concerns of Airbnbs and short-term rentals defying orders and renting to visitors, there is now a hotline to report suspicious rental activity: 888-399-8591.
