Council approves 2025–26 street‑lighting assessment district charges; city will review rates next year

The Goleta City Council adopted charges for the City of Goleta Street Lighting Benefit Assessment District for fiscal year 2025–26 and authorized the county to bill the assessments on the secured property tax roll.

Staff described the assessment structure as a base $24 fee adjusted by benefit factors that vary by parcel class. The FY25‑26 assessment yields a modest change from the prior year, the staff report said, driven by parcel reclassifications rather than a CPI change. The council adopted the engineer’s report, approved the assessment rates by resolution and authorized the city manager to enter into an agreement with the Santa Barbara County Auditor‑Controller to place direct charges on the 2025–26 secured tax bills.

Council voted unanimously to adopt the assessment (Reyes Martin — Aye; Kiriakou — Aye; Smith — Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Kasdan — Aye; Mayor Perotti — Aye).

Staff noted that the city has begun a separate review of the street‑lighting assessment methodology and has issued a request for proposals to examine assessment rates and structure; staff expects to return next fiscal year with recommendations.

One technical note: staff said Southern California Edison (SCE) retains ownership of some individual lights because those assets could not be transferred to the city during the conversion process; where SCE retains ownership the city pays the utility to keep the lights energized but not for maintenance. Staff will follow up with SCE concerning specific parcels raised by the public.

Why it matters: the assessment funds street‑lighting operations and maintenance citywide. The city’s planned rate review may affect future charges.

Speakers: no public testimony opposed the assessment during the hearing.