Twentynine Palms council votes to place 1% transaction tax on November ballot; staff projects about $2 million annually

The Twentynine Palms City Council voted unanimously on July 14 to put a city-initiated ordinance establishing a 1% transaction (sales and use) tax before voters at the Nov. 3 general municipal election.

City Manager (S2) described the two resolutions before the council: one to order placement of the ordinance on the ballot and a second to direct the city attorney to prepare an impartial analysis and to set priorities for filing written arguments. Staff read the proposed ballot language, which says the tax would fund services including 911 and emergency response, police patrols, street and sidewalk repairs, flood and disaster response, parks maintenance, and animal shelter upgrades; the staff report estimated roughly $2,000,000 annually until ended by voters, with audits and local-use requirements.

Members of the public spoke both in favor and asking for clarity. Kimberly Zysacs (S14) expressed support, saying the city does important work with limited staff and budgets and that voters should decide. Mary Alice Amsler (S17) asked how the impartial analysis would appear on the ballot and said some drafting language felt vague; staff pointed to the precise resolution language included in the staff report and online agenda packet for review.

Councilmember S6 moved to adopt Resolution No. 26 22 ordering submission of the measure; the motion was seconded, and the roll-call vote was 5-0 in favor. Council then adopted Resolution No. 20 623 directing the city attorney to prepare an impartial analysis and setting priorities for written arguments; that measure also passed 5-0.

Councilmembers and staff emphasized that any revenues would go through the city’s normal budget process, with public hearings and that the measure is not a blank check to the council.