Fairfield Board Approves $170 Assessment for Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District

In a recent meeting of the Solano County Board of Supervisors, officials discussed the annual assessment for the Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District, a topic that has significant implications for local residents and the management of open spaces in the area. The meeting, held on July 22, 2025, focused on the approval of a resolution to set the assessment levy for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-2026.

James Busek, the Director of Resource Management, introduced the agenda item, which included a presentation by associate planner JT Lee. The Green Valley Open Space District, established in 1990, is responsible for landscaping, lighting, and maintenance within the district. This year, the assessment for developed lots will increase to $170, a rise of $2.50 from the previous year. This incremental increase has been in place since the district's inception, designed to help fund the maintenance of open spaces managed by the Solano Land Trust.

The funds collected from this assessment, along with a special tax from the city of Fairfield, are allocated to the Land Trust for the acquisition and upkeep of open space lands in the Green Valley area. The Land Trust also prepares an annual report detailing the budget and operations of local parks, including the Patwino, Wartla, Kodoy, Deehee Park, which saw nearly 6,000 visitors since its opening last year.

During the meeting, board members raised questions regarding the adequacy of the assessment in light of inflation and the rising costs of maintenance. One supervisor expressed concerns about whether the $2.50 annual increase sufficiently covers the necessary funding for ongoing maintenance, especially as residents expect well-maintained public spaces. The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that funding mechanisms remain effective and responsive to community needs.

The board ultimately recommended conducting a public hearing to confirm the assessment and the engineer's report, which outlines the maintenance district's diagram and assessed parcels. The approval process is expected to conclude with the levy being implemented in March 2026.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that while the current assessment structure has been stable, ongoing evaluations will be necessary to ensure that it meets the demands of the community and adequately funds the maintenance of vital open spaces. The board's commitment to transparency and responsiveness to resident concerns will be crucial as they move forward with these assessments and the management of local parks.