TWENTYNINE PALMS WATER BOARD VOTES ON A 6 PERCENT ANNUAL RATE INCREASE

The cost of water may soon be going up in Twentynine Palms. Reporter Mike Lipsitz was at last night’s Twentynine Palms Water Board meeting and files this report…
Last night in Twentynine Palms, Water District directors voted 4-0 to move forward on instituting a 6 percent annual rate increase. Director Chancy Chambers was absent. It’s not a done deal; the next step in the process is a 45-day public comment period followed by a public hearing likely to be in December. The proposed increase amounts to an additional $2 per month for the average district ratepayer. Under fire department business, the board voted to transfer the District’s non-operational 1943 Mac “pumper” fire truck and other artifacts and documents related to the Fire Department to the Twentynine Palms Historical Society. The pumper and a second truck used for parts were acquired by donations, not public funds. That distinction is important, as gifts of public property are prohibited. The anticipated county takeover of fire service in Twentynine Palms prompted the transfer. In his report, Chief Jim Thompson said the LAFCO approval process for County takeover is progressing on schedule.