Council approves bilingual stipend, fee schedule and multiple budgets; one abstention on sewer subsidy

Twentynine Palms City Council on June 10 approved a set of personnel, fee and budget measures, including a $20-per-month bilingual pay stipend, adoption of a revised master fee schedule and adoption of two-year general and special-funds budgets. A separate Project Phoenix sewer fund subsidy passed with one councilmember abstaining.

The actions taken affect employee pay, municipal fees and the city’s operating and capital spending plans for fiscal years 2025–26 and 2026–27. Council members voted unanimously on the bilingual stipend, the master fee schedule and the general and special funds budgets. The Project Phoenix sewer subsidy passed 4–0–1 with one abstention.

Council voted to increase bilingual pay for employees who meet the city’s proficiency criteria by $20 per month. Councilmember Ramirez made the motion; the roll call recorded Councilmember Scott, Councilmember Wright, Councilwoman Ramirez, Mayor Pro Tem Mintz and Mayor Bilderink collectively voting “Aye” on the motion to adopt the stipend increase.

Council also adopted an updated master fee schedule that adjusts a range of user charges and…