Keep the Fire Department… that’s the decision by the Twentynine Palms Water District. Last night the board voted to retain the department instead of turning it over to San Bernardino County Fire. Reporter Kristy Lockhart has details…
“City’s been getting a free ride for 25 years.” It was a somewhat heated discussion as residents and Board Members weighed in on whether to divest or retain Fire Services. Bo Bourikas was the only Director who voted against keeping the Department. “The band aide we put on eight years ago and the current situation, in my opinion we are only going to be another Band-Aid. Instead of solving a problem, we’re just patching it.” Twentynine Palms resident Randy Leazer thinks the board made the right decision and supports another tax measure to keep the Department running. “Citizens need to understand it takes revenue to keep that level of service up.” Currently the Fire Department operates two stations with seven employees but they may have to cut services if they don’t find a solution to their financial problems. Fire Chief Jim Thompson explains what’s next. “A lot of hard work. If we don’t find any additional sources of revenue we will implement cuts.” The board has planned a workshop February 4 to discuss possible cuts and long term financial solutions.
TWENTYNINE PALMS WATER BOARD VOTES TO KEEP THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
