The recently released Grand Jury report on Ridgecrest gives the city what amounts to a positive review stating that ”[t]he 2017-2018 Kern County Grand Jury . . . found the City to be functioning efficiently and financially sound.”
The preface states that ”[t]here is a ‘bright light’ of an oasis in the northeast portion of Kern County, the City of Ridgecrest (City). Unlike some other small cities in Kern County, the City seems to be heading in a positive direction.”
It cites new shopping centers, hotels and businesses, a one percent sales tax (presumably Measure V) and the proposed Timbisha Shoshone casino and hotel complex as positive factors.
Ridgecrest is also described as “a thriving ‘Oasis’ and a major business hub for the Indian Wells Valley. People travel from neighboring communities such as Bishop, Independence, Lone Pine, Big Pine, Trona, and other communities in eastern Kern County, to shop within the City, thus contributing to the economy.”
The report found that the city’s total revenue is approximately $15.8 million from sales tax and Measure V, transient occupancy tax, and property tax.
The report also took on the controversial issue of city residency in regard to status of elected officials. It states as follows: “To verify residency for the City Council Members and City Mayor, California Driver’s Licenses are used with a declaration of ‘penalty of perjury under the law’ that statements are true and correct” and “City Elections are conducted, under the State Elections Code, in conjunction with the Kern County Elections Office.”
The report also found that Ridgecrest is growing, with “today’s estimate exceeding 30,000 residents” and that “NAWS China Lake is projecting to add 700 new contracted engineers in the next two years, who will need civilian housing. Current available city housing is very limited.”
It also mentions the relative lack of graffiti in Ridgecrest, stating Ridgecrest “does not appear to have a visible graffiti problem. Graffiti is mitigated by a group of volunteers who remove graffiti weekly; approximately 300 – 500 sites per year are removed.”
Findings also include the history of the MSA and the Timbisha Shoshone tribe, the approval of the Walmart parcel map in 2016, and an expenditure of $2.3 million for a Smart Irrigation watering system. It also note the use of NIXLE by the Ridgecrest Police Department.
The report mistakenly reports that “limited air travel in and out of the City is provided through the Inyokern Airport.”
There were no recommendations.
According to the report, it was based on interviews with the city manager and city attorney on April 18, 2018, as well as attendance at the Ridgecrest City Council meeting that same day. Previous Grand Jury reports and internet research were also used in preparing the report.
The inquiry and report were generated in response to citizen complaints.
June 23, 2018
Ridgecrest Daily Independent
Staff Report
No comments:
Post a Comment