Council backs letter supporting base "Category C" waiver to allow community access to some on-base businesses

The Twentynine Palms City Council authorized the mayor to sign a letter of support for the Marine Corps Combat Center's request for a Category C waiver, a change that would allow vetted local civilians access to certain revenue-generating facilities on the base, such as food concessions, the base theater, and the golf course. The motion passed on a 5-0 vote.

Jesse Montez, deputy assistant chief of staff for Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) at the Combat Center, told the council the waiver would apply to Category C facilities, defined as non-appropriated fund, revenue-producing operations. Montez described the rationale as improving quality of life and helping on-base businesses thrive by enabling local residents to patronize services they otherwise must leave the area to find.

"This waiver would grant access to local civilians that live in the area, the ability to access the installation, to gain access to these Category C facilities like the base theater... Jersey Mike's... Popeye's... and the golf course," Montez said.

Montez and others made clear the waiver does not contemplate access to the commissary or the Marine Corps Exchange (MCX), benefits that remain reserved for active-duty members and their families because of price protections and supply-chain arrangements. Montez said the policy would permit purchases of consumables and logo items but would not extend other commissary or MCX privileges to the general public.

Public commenters raised both support and caution. A long-serving local resident and business stakeholder said civilian access could help the local economy and help retain employees who work on base. Another speaker warned the city should consider potential impacts on downtown businesses.

Councilmember Wright initially expressed concern about a potential conflict of interest because she works for MCCS and said she thought she might need to abstain; after clarification on whether she would directly benefit, the council proceeded to vote. The final vote was recorded as: Councilmember Scott ' Aye; Councilwoman Ramirez ' Aye; Mayor Pro Tem Mintz ' Aye; Mayor Bilder ' Aye; Councilmember Wright ' Aye.

Council staff also noted the city had received a letter of support from Rediscovery president Sarah Lyons.

The council's action was limited to authorizing a letter of support; any final change to base access depends on federal approvals and base-level security and policy decisions.