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Council approves Landscaping & Lighting District assessments, directs study of citywide funding options
Summary
Lincoln City Council held a public hearing and adopted two resolutions confirming assessments for Landscaping and Lighting District (LAD) No. 1 for fiscal year 2025–26; staff will conduct a study to design a citywide LAD under a Proposition 218 process to address a growing general‑fund subsidy.
The Lincoln City Council on June 10 adopted two resolutions confirming the Landscaping and Lighting District (LAD) No. 1 assessments for fiscal year 2025–26 and ordered the levy and collection of assessments, while directing staff to pursue a study to develop a citywide, equitable LAD.
City staff reported the LAD was formed in 1982 and now includes the original benefit zone plus 32 additional zones covering about 40% of city parcels. The proposed fiscal‑year 2025–26 assessment collection is estimated at $3,848,250, and staff said assessment rates do not exceed maximums set when zones were formed or annexed.
Staff and consultant Jordan Brown told council the city currently subsidizes the LAD from the general fund by more than $1.3 million annually and that the subsidy grows with inflation. To address the long‑term shortfall, staff recommended a study — to be run under the Proposition 218 process — to design equitable benefit zones and reduce reliance on the general fund. Francisco and Associates provided a proposed scope and fee; staff said outreach would include polling, town halls and social media.
Mayor Andreatta and council members characterized the LAD shortfall as a legacy issue requiring community engagement and noted it will be a heavy lift to achieve a citywide, broadly supported solution. Council voted to approve the resolutions after a public hearing with no in‑room or online speakers.
Action: Council adopted the two resolutions (approving the final engineer’s report, ordering improvements, confirming the diagram and assessments; and ordering the levy and collection of assessments) by roll call vote: Reedy — Yes; Pearl — Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Brown — Yes; Eklund — Yes; Mayor Andreatta — Yes.
Staff will return later with findings and recommendations for a proposed citywide LAD and noted a $200,000 LAD assessment amount had been included in the proposed budget for analysis and outreach work.
