Ridgecrest is another step closer to having a Timbisha Shoshone casino within city limits.

On Tuesday, the Kern County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an agreement with the tribe for the county to receive reimbursement for providing fire protection and other public services to the planned gaming facility and hotel slated to go in on China Lake Boulevard. The estimated value of the 20-year agreement is approximately $514,000 for the county fire fund.