Wrightwood board waives $60.50 variance fee for Timberline Lions Club after public appeal

The Wrightwood Community Services District board voted June 2 to waive a $60.50 facility variance fee for the Timberline Lions Club after several residents described the charity’s long history of local service.

At the meeting, Jill Carlton Payne, president of the Timberline Lions Club, told the board the club’s Easter breakfast served more than 300 people, distributed teddy bears and supported local businesses, and that a paperwork mix‑up tied to a volunteer’s illness led to the fee. “Given the misunderstanding … and the substantial community benefit provided by this charitable event, I respectfully ask that the board waive the $60.50 variance fee,” Payne said.

Other community members backed the request, describing the Lions’ disaster relief work, donations to local families, and partnership with other volunteer groups. Noville Carter, who said she has been with the Lions for about eight years, described how the organization assisted residents after recent fires and mudslides.

District counsel and staff framed the decision as one that must be anchored to a public benefit to avoid the constitutional prohibition on gifts of public funds. Steve, speaking during the board’s legal discussion, said a public record tying the variance to a community benefit helps protect the district and the applicant from later challenge.

After board discussion the motion to approve the waiver carried. The board noted the amount is small but said it wanted to preserve transparent procedures so similar requests can be tracked in the future.

The board also discussed drafting clearer variance criteria and documentation requirements so future requests include a demonstrable nexus to the district’s powers and public benefit.