Hayward GAD adopts $260,000 fiscal 2025–26 budget, shifts CPI reference to December

The Hayward Geologic Hazard Abatement District on June 24 adopted a $260,000 budget for fiscal year 2025–26 and approved changing its annual Consumer Price Index reference month from June to December to produce earlier, more precise levy estimates.

The revision and budget were presented by Haley Ralston, the GAD manager. Ralston said the GAD covers three developments — the Reserve, Hideaway and Hayward Somi — and that supplemental property tax assessments apply only to residences inside those developments. “GAD stands for geologic hazard abatement district, and it was formed, by Hayward City Council for certain developments within Hayward to protect them from geologic hazards that may impact their developments long term,” Ralston told the board.

Rationale and scope: Ralston said the staff recommendation to use the December CPI is intended to give the board “more exact...budget numbers and proposed levies” earlier in the annual cycle. The proposed budget allocates most funds to preventative maintenance and routine operations — cleaning drainage ditches and detention basins, twice-yearly monitoring for early signs of geologic hazards — with smaller amounts for GAD manager administration, outside professional services and GIS/website maintenance. Staff said there are no major repair projects anticipated, but a relatively minor landslide repair affecting a maintenance road in the Reserve development is planned for the coming summer.

Finances and reserves: Staff presented projected revenue of about $440,000 for the coming year (assessment revenue plus investment income) and an expected reserve increase of approximately $179,000. Ralston said the GAD’s beginning balance for the next fiscal year is about $1.3 million and after anticipated receipts and spending the account is forecast to be about $1.5 million at year end. For the Reserve development staff recommended setting the reserve levy at 60% of the inflation-adjusted limit; Hideaway and Hayward Somi will remain subject to their inflation-adjusted limits.

Notices, maintenance and transfers: Director Roach asked whether residents received notice that assessments would resume; Ralston replied that flyers were mailed to active residents late last year explaining levies and their purpose. Ralston also reported that spring weed abatement and monitoring are complete and that staff will work with the Hayward Somi developer on a property transfer to the GAD in the coming fiscal year; annexation of Parcel Group 3 was also anticipated before the end of the calendar year.

Board action and vote: Director Roach moved the resolution to adopt the budget and update the CPI reference; Director Goldstein seconded. With no public comment on the GAD item, the board approved the resolution unanimously, 5–0.

What’s next: Staff said they would update the budget document to correct a graph that differed from the board packet and bring any transfer or annexation items to the board when ready.