Salinas council approves annual assessments for six landscape and lighting districts

The Salinas City Council on July 1 approved resolutions to levy annual assessments for six landscape and lighting maintenance districts for fiscal year 2025–26, funding ongoing maintenance of landscaping, parks and open spaces within those districts.

City staff and the assessment engineer told the council the levies fund routine landscape maintenance, street lighting and other specialized services inside each district’s boundaries. The council voted unanimously to adopt the engineers’ reports and assessment diagrams required by state law.

Donna Segarra of Harris & Associates, the city’s assessment engineer, told the council some districts have flat rates that have not changed since formation: Airport Business Center has been fixed at $217.49 since 1987, Vista Nueva at $600 since 2011 and Hardin Ranch at $66.72 since 1991. Segarra said the only districts proposed for modest increases are Miramonte (about 0.87% to $615.39) and the Northeast area (small increases in density classes), while Montebello’s assessment remains at $645.30 and below its maximum allowed level.

"Approval of the engineers reports, including the assessment diagrams and levy amounts, is required to comply with state law," Segarra said during her presentation.

The discussion included repeated public comments from residents who said they pay assessments yet see uneven service. Council members asked staff how residents can confirm services they pay for. Public Works staff pointed to district-specific webpages that publish quarterly and annual expenditures and said residents can file Salinas Connect service requests or call Public Works to report problems.

Council members pressed staff on perception and expectations for service levels in underfunded districts. Council member Gloria (spoke during the meeting) and council member Margaret asked why some areas receive less maintenance despite paying assessments. Public Works staff and the assessment engineer explained that where districts were formed with capped flat rates, the city cannot unilaterally raise the assessment without a property-owner vote to change the maximum assessment.

Clarifying figures presented to the council included: Airport Business Center $217.49 (flat since 1987); Vista Nueva $600 (flat since 2011); Hardin Ranch $66.72 (flat since 1991); Miramonte $615.39 (proposed +0.87%); Montebello $645.30 (no change; below a $1,433 cap); Northeast area proposed low-density $217.00, medium-density $134.19, high-density $92.78 (percent changes noted in staff materials).

The council also directed staff to improve outreach and to provide clearer expectations to residents about what each assessment covers and response timelines. "We set up webpages last year," a Public Works representative said. "We did a lot of outreach. But people may not know it's there."

The council approved the required resolutions by voice vote (motion by Council member Barrera, second by Council member Salazar). Vote: Barajas Yes; Barrera Yes; Dirigo Yes; Dela Rosa Yes; Salazar Yes; Sandoval Yes; Mayor Dennis Donahue Yes.

Council members and members of the public said they expect more proactive communication about district-specific services and clearer, accessible reporting on what residents receive for their assessments.

Notes: the city’s engineering reports and the assessments are governed by the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972 and by the City of Salinas municipal code provisions cited in the staff presentation.