The Twentynine Palms Fire Department will be implementing cuts, starting June 1, that will close down the Lear Avenue Fire station. At a meeting of the Twentynine Palms Water District Board last night, Fire Chief Jim Thompson said the Downtown Station 421 would remain open because it receives 86.5 percent of the calls for help. Thompson said by making this cut, the Fire Department will save on fuel and utility expenses. Water Board Director Chancey Chambers said, “We’re going to have to make more and more cuts, or risk deficit spending.” In other business, the Board discussed whether or not the money from renting cell towers on Donnell Hill should be spent on the Fire Department. The Board was informed that spending the funds could be done without any liability or legal issues, but if a problem did arise, it wouldn’t be completely defendable. However, directors were leaning towards putting the money into a special fund and using it for both for the Fire Department and the Water District. After discussion, the Board decided to wait to take any action because that decision was not on the agenda.
