REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF BOARD GOVERNED COUNTY SERVICE AREAS
AND RECORD OF ACTION
May 19, 2026
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Special Districts
SUBJECT
Title
Revenue Agreement with the City of Twentynine Palms to Provide Wastewater System Services
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of County Service Area 70, approve Revenue Agreement with the City of Twentynine Palms, to provide preventative maintenance, emergency response, and support services for the City of Twentynine Palms sewer collection system and septic tanks, in the amount of $409,233.63, for the period of May 19, 2026 through May 19, 2031.
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote and Fulfill the Countywide Vision.
Create, Maintain and Grow Employment Opportunities and Economic Value in the County.
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Foster Sustainable Development Through Strategic Partnerships.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). County Service Area 70 (CSA 70) shall receive compensation, not to exceed $409,233.63 for the five-year term to provide sewer collection system preventive maintenance, emergency response, and support services for the City of Twentynine Palms (City) for the period of May 19, 2026 through May 19, 2031. The total amount reflects the prior contract value with an annual 3% escalation to account for increases in labor, equipment, and material costs. Sufficient appropriation and revenue have been included in the CSA 70 2025-26 budget and will be included in CSA 70’s future recommended budgets.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The City is responsible for the operation, maintenance, emergency response, and support services for its sewer collection system, septic tanks and seepage pits. This responsibility includes ensuring that maintenance is conducted monthly, quarterly, and annually in accordance with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements. Since the City does not have staff with the required certifications and experience necessary to perform these maintenance services activities, the City contracts with CSA 70 for these services.
On March 9, 2021 (Item No. 47 Agreement No. 21-193), CSA 70 and the City entered into an agreement for these maintenance services, which was subsequently amended and extended through March 31, 2026.
On March 29, 2022 (Item No. 61), the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved Amendment No. 1 to increase the contract amount by $135,719, and extend the term through March 31, 2024.
On March 26, 2024 (Item No. 72), the Board approved Amendment No. 2 to increasing the contract amount by $146,794 and extending the term through March 31, 2026 for a total of two years.
That agreement expired on March 31, 2026. While no temporary agreement was executed, services were not extended beyond the expiration date. Preventative maintenance and routine support services were accordingly paused during this period. In the event of an emergency, the County remains available to respond and provide temporary services, as necessary, to support the continued operation of the City’s wastewater system while the City completes its internal approval process for a new agreement. Both parties have determined that entering into a new agreement is in their mutual best interest.
The proposed contract establishes a five-year term, from May 19, 2026 through May 19, 2031, for CSA 70 to provide monthly, quarterly, and annual inspections, routine maintenance, regulatory reporting, and 24/7 emergency response. The total reimbursement amount for the term is $409,233.63, which includes indirect administrative costs.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5289) on February 19, 2026; Risk Management (Stephanie Mead, Staff Analyst, 386-9044) on February 17, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Matthew Dalton, Administrative Analyst, 387-5005) on May 4, 2026.