Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Twentynine Palms public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in taxes budget
Clean FY 2025-26 audit and healthy reserves
The city's independent auditor gave the cleanest opinion possible, and reserves sit at $14.3 million — well above the 50-55% policy, meaning the council could spend up to about $5.3 million more and stay within policy.
Measure G on the November ballot
City Manager Kevin Cole announced the transaction and use tax measure appears to have passed, with spending priorities to be set by the council early next year.
City energy efficiency investment paying off
The 2020 Climatech partnership — lighting, thermostats and solar upgrades paid for with utility rebates and a low-interest loan — is saving the city about $121,000 a year, with $2.7 million projected over 30 years.
Development Impact Fee Report FY 2025-26
The council received and filed the annual report on development impact fees collected and spent, required by state law. It's an accounting of how fees from new development fund public facilities.
Proposition 1 Housing Bond Awareness
The council got a briefing on the $11.25 billion veterans and affordable housing bond on the November ballot, with hopes some funds could subsidize local low-income and self-help housing projects.
Future of the PAAC Arts Micro-grant Program
Applicants have struggled with the documentation requirements, leaving awarded grants unprocessed, and residents publicly urged the committee to keep the program. The City Manager will meet with Finance to figure out how to complete pending applications.
Community Resilience Center Grant
The council split 2-2 (one abstention) on whether to move forward with pursuing a resilience center grant, so the city is not proceeding. Residents weighed in on both sides of spending city resources to chase the grant.