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Council approves Project Phoenix and sewer fund budget revisions; mayor records abstention
Summary
Council approved Resolution No. 26-21 to revise Project Phoenix and enterprise (sewer) fund budgets, including a $70,000 general fund subsidy and a $25,000 sewer fee study. The measure passed with one abstention by Mayor Mintz.
The Twentynine Palms City Council approved budget revisions for Project Phoenix (downtown revitalization) and the enterprise sewer fund on June 23, adopting Resolution No. 26-21 after a staff presentation and brief discussion.
City staff reported Project Phoenix has approximately $204,000 remaining from $2.3 million previously committed to downtown revitalization activities; an additional $1.1 million in housing bond proceeds is available but restricted to affordable housing activities. Staff noted the city will fund a tile mural project partially with a California Arts Council grant; $18,000 of the mural project will be funded through a grant awarded earlier in the year.
On the sewer side, staff described two major ongoing efforts: a five-year U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study and evaluation of a package treatment plant. The USGS study is presently funded with several committed sources totaling about $1.9 million, plus a $200,000 contribution from the 29 Palms Water District; staff said the study faces an approximate shortfall near $99,000 and that the city and the water district will pursue cost-containment strategies.
Council voted to adopt Resolution No. 26-21, which included an interfund transfer of $70,000 from the general fund to subsidize sewer operating costs and $25,000 for a sewer rate study. The roll call recorded 'Aye' votes from Councilwoman Ramirez, Councilmember Wright, Councilman Billing and Mayor Pro Tem Scott; Mayor Mintz abstained from the vote.
Staff said the USGS study is proceeding and will inform future decisions about whether and when the city will need a full sewer system.
