The Twentynine Palms City Council recently had to backtrack on budgeted projects based on concerns they were dipping into a healthy reserve. Reporter Dan Stork tells us which made the cut and which were put off pending surplus funds…
What to keep and what to cut? That’s the choice faced by the Twentynine Palms City Council, in the face of some members’ insistence that the City’s reserve money NOT be used to fund capital projects. Of the 38 capital projects and purchases, 11 have either independent funding sources, or the City is already contractually obligated to do them. About $2.5 million in this category deals with street and sidewalk paving. A $250,000 worth of work on Knott’s Sky Park is already contracted out. Another $110,000 in obligated money covers part of a wastewater study and sign construction on National Park Drive. Council also decided to fund some mural restoration to the tune of $20,000, and an $18,000 electric vehicle charging station will be covered by non-city money. The 27 projects on which the Council is holding back, pending availability of current year surplus funds, include: sidewalk construction on Donnell Hill; a bridge over Donnell Basin; bike path paving; assorted utility vehicles and maintenance equipment; Luckie Park splash pad, and basketball court and restroom renovations; Sky’s the Limit amphitheater; Senior Center repairs and improvements; emergency generator equipment; animal shelter improvements; computer system upgrades; gateway and electronic signage; Community Emergency Response Team equipment; and the July 4th Fireworks Display.
WHAT GOT CUT FROM THE TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY BUDGET?
