SR 05:109 - Laserfiche WebLink

district would be subject to the requirements of Proposition 218, and the increased assessments would be required to have approval of a majority vote. Existing assessment districts must also comply with Proposition 218's requirement that only special benefits, not g n ral b ncfits, may be assessed when evaluating lighting and landscape maintenance districts. The del'tuition of a special benefit is "a particular and distinct benefit over and above general benefits conferred on real property located in the district or to the public at large." General enhancement of property value does not constitute "special benefit." To the extent an assessment provides both general benefits and special benefits, the City must separate the general benefits from the special benefits and pay for the general benefits out of another revenue source, typically the City's General Fund. With these adjustments for Proposition 218, staff believes that the existing Landscape and Lighting Districts should continue. The landscaping being maintained under each District is of specific benefit to the property owners comprising each district, and the Lighting and Landscaping Assessment process provides the most efficient and effective means for maintenance to be assured. DISCUSSION The City currently has five Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts which are being assessed. When the properties within the Districts are assessed, the fee is included on the County property tax bill. At that time, the County adds 1.7% to the base assessment as an administration fee. The assessments on the City parcels located within Ponderosa, Bonde Ranch and Moller Ranch districts will not include the 1.7% County administration fee as the Finance Department will transfer the money from the appropriate City Funds (General Fund, Water Fund, and Sewer Fund) into the specific district fund without involving the County. The Engineer's budget for each district includes a reserve fund to provide for the replacement of assets such as decorative entry walls, signage, light fixtures, etc. Replacement costs have been calculated for the eventual replacement of the assets of each district. Landscape and Light'mg District 1984-1, Ponderosa Homes The Ponderosa Homes subdivision (L & L District 1984-1) has been in place for twenty-one (21) years. Maintenance in this District includes the care of masonry walls, trees, shrubbery, groundcover and irrigation systems along Paseo Santa Cruz between Corte Santa Maria and Corte Pacifica. SR:05:109 Page 4 of 8