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Cotati council adopts engineer’s report, confirms assessments for Landscape & Lighting District
Summary
Council adopted a resolution approving the annual engineer’s report for the consolidated Cotati Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District, confirming assessment amounts that include increases for several zones; council discussed reserve shortfalls during the public hearing.
The Cotati City Council adopted a resolution approving the annual engineer’s report, confirming the assessment diagram and levying the annual assessments for the Cotati Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District for fiscal year 2025–26.
Why it matters: The assessments fund maintenance and irrigation costs for 10 formerly separate zones consolidated into one district; some zones have depleted reserves and need assessment adjustments to maintain services.
What staff recommended: Henry Babitz, an engineering technician, summarized the engineer’s report and explained that the assessments are levied per equivalent single‑family dwelling. The consolidated district retains 10 zones with zone‑specific characteristics; zones 1–6 remained unchanged while zones 7, 8 and 10 were proposed to increase 5 percent and zone 9 increased 33 percent because of reserve depletion.
Council discussion and concerns: Council members asked why the Santero Way (zone 9) assessment spiked; staff said reserves had been drawn down for six to seven years and higher watering and utility costs caused the spike. Council members also questioned equity across neighborhoods that are not in any assessment district and whether general fund subsidies are sustainable for zones without an escalator.
Public hearing and outcome: No members of the public spoke during the hearing. Councilmember Sparks moved to adopt the resolution; the motion passed unanimously in a roll call vote, with members recording yes votes. Councilmember Savage, who had recused from an earlier item, rejoined for the vote.
What this means: Assessments will be levied per the engineer’s schedule; zones with depleted reserves will see higher bills this year to restore funding levels for ongoing maintenance. The council and staff noted this remains a long‑running funding challenge and discussed alternatives including community facilities districts for new development or future voter actions to change funding mechanisms.
Next steps: The assessments take effect for fiscal year 2025–26 as adopted; staff will proceed with administrative steps to levy and collect the confirmed assessments.
