Council approves annual assessments for Landscaping and Lighting Districts after public hearing

The Los Banos City Council held a public hearing and adopted the annual assessments for the city’s landscaping and lighting districts for fiscal year 2025–26, approving Resolution 6941.

Parks and Recreation Director and interim public‑works staff presented the engineer’s reports and budget details for 18 special assessment districts that fund street lighting, medians, park maintenance, stormwater facilities and related assets. Director Joe Hine said each district operates on its own budget and the annual engineer’s reports set revenue needs and proposed assessment amounts for each parcel within the districts.

Staff summarized proposed percentage increases and examples of line‑item charges; Hine noted increases were driven by rising operational costs and the need to rebuild reserves for capital replacements such as playgrounds, irrigation pumps and ADA improvements. A public commenter asked about a future restroom project at College Greens Park; Hine said an anticipated multi‑year sequence would first fund design ($30,000) and then a higher construction cost in a later year, and confirmed existing building maintenance revenue flows to the general fund rather than district assessments.

After hearing no further public testimony, councilmembers moved to adopt Resolution 6941. The motion passed on a voice vote; staff will place assessments on the property tax roll per the engineer reports and notify affected property owners as required by law.

Ending: Staff said the engineer’s reports and district projects will guide maintenance and capital work in each district and that staff will return with further project details as funds are scheduled for capital improvements.