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Council affirms current assessments for Landscape District No. 1; staff to explore long‑term options
Summary
After a public hearing, the council confirmed fiscal‑year 2025–26 assessments for Simi Valley Landscape District No. 1 at current levels and discussed potential paths—including a Proposition 218 majority-vote process—to raise assessments in future years.
The Simi Valley City Council held a public hearing on June 23 and adopted Resolution No. 2025‑18 confirming assessments for Simi Valley Landscape District No. 1 for fiscal year 2025–26 at their existing levels.
Public Works Director Ron Puchuwaki said the district operates under the State Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 and includes 99 landscape zones (48 active zones and 51 fallback/contingency zones). For FY 2025–26, staff estimated the cost to maintain assessment-zone areas at approximately $1,360,000. Funding was described as roughly $800,000 from assessments and $560,000 from the Landscape Augmentation Fund (general fund contribution).
During council discussion, Council member Rhodes asked why assessments were not raised given inflationary pressures. Staff explained that increasing an assessment requires a Proposition 218 process—which, unlike protest ballots, requires a majority vote of affected property owners—and that the city has not undertaken that process broadly for the zones. At public comment, resident Howard Herron suggested local landscape contractors could be engaged to take pride in smaller zones and potentially reduce costs.
Action: Council member Ayala moved to adopt the resolution confirming assessments; the motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters: The district’s maintenance is partially funded by the general fund; staff said the city is exploring cost-saving measures—contract modifications, low-water landscaping, turf removal and smart irrigation—to limit future pressure on the general fund.
Ending: Council members directed staff to continue cost-reduction work and Rhodes asked for an action plan to explore longer-term funding solutions including targeted outreach to property owners in affected zones.
