Council holds public hearing, approves annual Landscape and Lighting Assessment District levies for 2025–26

Vacaville City Council opened a public hearing June 24 on the annual Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District (LLMD) levies and, after staff presentation and public comment, adopted the resolution approving the fiscal year 2025–26 assessments.

Assistant Director of Maintenance Jacob Allred summarized the engineer’s report and the levy changes. He told the council that this year’s engineer’s report covered 139 districts and that the total assessment levy for fiscal year 2025–26 is “approximately $5,100,000.” He said staff expects the general‑fund subsidy for districts this fiscal year to total “approximately $2,100,000,” composed of a 10% citywide neighborhood park contribution (about $488,000) and a funding gap of roughly $1,600,000 that the general fund covers for shortfalls in some older districts.

Allred explained how the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972 requires an annual engineer’s report and said 98 district levies will increase, nine will remain unchanged, 16 will decrease and 16 will not be assessed because improvements are incomplete. In response to council questions, Allred said about 43% of the city’s land area is covered by LLMDs and that older districts with smaller tax bases are most likely to be in shortfall.

During public comment several speakers urged caution about spreading costs citywide; one resident said a citywide levy previously proposed was unpopular in 2023. Staff noted prior outreach and said consultants will continue to monitor macroeconomic conditions and evaluate options.

After the public hearing the council adopted the amended resolution granting final approval of the engineer’s report and levies by roll call.