The Twentynine Palms Water District Board took a big first step in annexing their fire department to the county yesterday. Reporter Rebecca Havely was there and files this report…
At a special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Water Department yesterday, the board began with a brief closed session to discuss salary negotiations for their new general manager; however, no decision was announced. Fire Chief Jim Thompson then asked the board to appoint two water district board members to an ad hoc committee. They appointed Carol Giannini and Jim Moore. The committee will conduct preliminary discussions regarding the potential annexation of the fire protective services of Twentynine Palms to the County of San Bernardino. The Division Fire Chief for the San Bernardino Fire Department, John Chamberlin, was also in attendance. Chief Thompson said that on the agenda for tonight’s Twentynine Palms City Council meeting, two more members may be added to the ad hoc committee as well. Chief Thompson said of the annexation: “This change could create a sustainable, tax-based revenue source for the fire department.”
