29 Palms council accepts poll showing majority support for a potential general tax

The Twentynine Palms City Council voted 5-0 to accept the results of a community survey that city staff commissioned to test public support for potential revenue measures.

Pollster Adam Pubbowski summarized the methodology and results in a presentation to the council, saying, "We surveyed 300 voters, likely voters in town," and that the sample included English and Spanish respondents contacted by landline, mobile and online methods. He reported overall approval of city services at about 56% and said 75% of respondents agreed the city needs more resources.

Pubbowski presented a ballot-label test that described a general tax that could "yield $2,000,000 a year" and said 55% of surveyed likely voters said they would support that ballot measure under the label and description used. He told the council messaging that highlights spending on the animal shelter, public safety and local oversight increased support in the survey.

Council members asked standard methodological questions; Pubbowski said 300 completed interviews is a typical sample size for a jurisdiction of this size and that the sample was balanced using voter-roll demographics. After public comment in support of the work, the council motioned to accept the January 17, 2026 survey results and to confirm authorization for the city manager to continue engagement with consultant Clifford Moss. The motion passed on a unanimous roll call vote.

City staff said the survey is a diagnostic step toward deciding whether to place a measure on a future ballot and that further work would be needed on ballot language, fiscal analysis and public outreach before any placement.

Next steps outlined by staff include follow-up polling and further analysis if the council chooses to proceed toward a ballot measure.