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Home > Desert Oracle Radio > Twentynine Palms City Council approves funds for community survey and outreach on possible sales tax increase
Podcast: Desert Oracle Radio
Episode:

Twentynine Palms City Council approves funds for community survey and outreach on possible sales tax increase
Category: Society & Culture
Duration: 00:00:00
Publish Date: 2025-10-15 16:09:58
Description:

The Twentynine Palms City Council gathered last evening to discuss a single topic: the possibility of an increased sales tax in the new year.

Presenting a “financial reality” that painted an unsettling picture, City Manager Stone James presented to council a situation familiar to anyone who buys anything – costs are rising while revenue has gone flat, putting city services at risk.

James cited an example from the city’s beloved animal shelter, Palms N Paws, that recently slashed adoption costs for their animals. As a result, 32 pets were adopted out in a mere two weeks, an unusually swift success rate for the organization. “Our community is price-sensitive,” said James, “but those fee cuts then have to be absorbed by the General Fund.”

City Manager Stone James presents on why there may be a need for a 2026 sales tax increase. 

Citing the sales tax of surrounding communities, James noted that the average state sales tax rate is 8.84 percent while the average regional sales tax rate is 8.75 percent. Twentynine Palms currently has a 7.75 percent sales tax rate while Yucca Valley has an 8.75 percent rate. (Morongo Valley, Landers, Joshua Tree and other unincorporated areas are at the county rate of 7.75 percent.) A proposed increase of one percent would bring in a much-needed boost to the city budget to keep services such as road maintenance, law enforcement, youth programs, parks, and funding for a new animal shelter in good standing.

James asked the council for authorization to hire Probolsky Research ($22,500) to conduct a community survey about the situation. He also asked to hire Lew Edwards Group ($74,750), an outreach consultant. Finally, he requested up to $25K for community outreach and education.

When Councilmember Octavious Scott expressed skepticism about the cost for another community survey, Councilmember Daniel Mintz offered the insight he’d gained from attending a Cal Cities session, “Pass a local tax measure in today’s political environment.”

City Manager Stone James answers council questions as Councilmembers Octavious Scott and McArthur Wright listen. 

“If you don’t do a survey to make sure the community wants to even pass this, then you’re wasting your time and money. What we’re talking about here is getting at what they want but also the feeling of if they want us to even entertain passing a tax, right?” said Mintz.

Other than Councilmember April Ramirez requesting the city hire outreach consultant Clifford Moss instead of the Lew Edwards Group (“due to our city’s size”), council approved James requests for all three elements and a community survey will likely launch in early 2026.

Community Development Director Keith Gardner ended the meeting with some welcome housing news. So far this year, the city has issued building permits for 29 single family homes, five for multi-family homes, and five for Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) with another 22 permits in review, a much higher rate than the previous three years.

Mayor Steven Bilderain presents the Proclamation recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Mary Kay Sherry, a breast cancer survivor. 

The post Twentynine Palms City Council approves funds for community survey and outreach on possible sales tax increase appeared first on Z107.7 FM Joshua Tree.
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