Members of the Youth Council gave an update on recent activities.

Twentynine Palms City Council tackles money matters

Heather Clisby Heather Clisby Send an email May 27, 2026

The Twentynine Palms City Council dove into the city’s finances last night after first acknowledging three local groups who earned cash beautifying the town. The Feathers ‘N Fur Wildlife Rehab Team, the Kiwanis Club of Twentynine Palms, and the Twentynine Palms High School Interact Club all received checks from Burrtec and the city for participating in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program. 

The Youth Council then gave an update on their activities from the past year which included a food drive at Grocery Outlet, Youth Olympics, Astronomy Night, Senior Center volunteering and an anti-vaping campaign. 

Finance Director/Treasurer Abigail Hernandez-Conde presented on two public hearings.

Next, Founder Robert Embry of Re-Enlist to Life Housing and Veteran Services gave an overview to the council about their plans to build a veterans campus/housing development at 605 Indian Trail. The organization was not asking for funds but a letter of support for the project.

Finance Director/Treasurer Abigail Hernandez-Conde presented on two public hearings.

The first, Proposed Revisions to the General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, included an employee Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 3.1%. The second hearing featured amendments to the Master User Fee Schedule for FY 2026-27 which included added fees for Entertainment and Ancillary Business licenses and code violations as well as amended fees for sports program participation, VHR appeals and towing fees.

Community Events Coordinator Scott Clinkscales presented results from the May 12 Non-Profit Grant Applicant Workshop.
Members of the Feathers ‘N Fur Wildlife Rehab Team accepted checks presented by Councilmember Octavious Scott for their participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program. 
A representative from the Twentynine Palms High School Interact Club accepted checks presented by Councilmember Octavious Scott for participating in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program. 
Members of the Kiwanis Club of Twentynine Palms accepted checks presented by Councilmember Octavious Scott for their participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program. 
Founder Robert Embry of Re-Enlist to Life Housing and Veteran Services gave an overview to the council about their plans to build a veterans campus/housing development at 605 Indian Trail.

Community Events Coordinator Scott Clinkscales presented results from the May 12 Non-Profit Grant Applicant Workshop. Due to budget constraints, the $75,000 originally available was reduced to $50,000 and divided into three donations:

  • $25,000 to 29 Palms Community Food Pantry & Outreach Ministries
  • $15,000 to Reach Out Morongo Basin
  • $10,000 to Animal Action League

Council approved an increase of the monthly stipend from $465 to $700 for each councilmember, the first ‘raise’ in 24 years. The compensation will not apply until after council elections in November.

Incoming City Manager Kevin Cole in his first city council meeting.

Just six days into his position as City Manager, Kevin Cole declared he was getting up to speed on city issues as quickly as possible.

“It’s felt a little bit like drinking out of a fire hose so I’m sure there’s lots more for me to tell you but the more I get acquainted with things the more I’ll have to say but thank you for hiring me.”

Heather Clisby Heather Clisby Send an email May 27, 2026
Heather Clisby

Heather Clisby

Heather Clisby has been working in journalism and communications for over three decades, includings stints at newspapers, magazines, blogs and radio stations. A native of Long Beach, California, she can usually be found guiding tourists in Joshua Tree National Park, auditioning and/or clapping for others at Theatre 29, playing improv, or supporting all her friends in loud bands. She lives with her dog, Sweetpea, in Twentynine Palms.