Selma council approves preliminary engineer's report; landscape and lighting assessments reduced for 2025–26

The Selma City Council on June 3 approved a resolution adopting the preliminary engineer’s report and declaring the intent to levy assessments for the Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District (LLMD). The City Engineer told the council that, after reviewing actual expenditures and projected maintenance needs, the recommended assessments for each LLMD zone are reduced from last year.

The LLMD program, created in 1984 under state law, funds maintenance of subdivision landscaping and street lighting via annual assessments collected on property tax bills. The engineer’s report examined each zone’s landscaping, irrigation, streetlights and other maintenance needs, and concluded there were sufficient funds and lower estimated maintenance costs for the coming fiscal year, allowing a reduction in assessed amounts for all zones.

Staff explained the elements that compose the assessment: landscape maintenance, electricity (PG&E), water and irrigation costs (Cal Water), notice and publication costs, 300‑foot mailing notices and administrative costs. The public hearing required under the State Streets and Highways Code will be held by the City Council on July 1; if adopted after that hearing, the assessments will be forwarded to the Fresno County Tax Collector for entry on the fiscal‑year tax rolls.

Council members noted the public‑works reorganization and routine maintenance schedules contributed to lower recurring costs. The council approved the resolution by roll call vote with all members voting yes; staff said the change would have no impact on the general fund because LLMD revenues are restricted to the maintenance fund for those zones.