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Solvang council approves report and sets May 12 public hearing on Solvang Mesa landscape assessment after 3% increase
Summary
The Solvang City Council on April 14 approved the engineering report for the Solvang Mesa Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District and set a May 12 public hearing after staff said the assessment will rise about 3% to $1,429.66 per parcel for fiscal year 2025–26.
The Solvang City Council on April 14 adopted a resolution initiating the annual assessment process for the Solvang Mesa Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District and set a public hearing for May 12, 2025.
City staff presented an engineering report prepared by Francisco and Associates and recommended the council approve the report and schedule the public hearing required under Proposition 218 (the property-related fee protest procedure). Staff said the district’s assessments historically have been low, and the proposed change for fiscal year 2025–26 is a 3% increase to $1,429.66 per parcel. Staff noted the district could, by formula, levy higher assessments — up to a theoretical $3,600 per parcel based on maximum authorization — but that available reserves and modest recent activity make a large increase unnecessary this year.
Councilmember questions focused on procedure. Staff explained tonight’s vote approves the engineering report and sets the public hearing; the council will hear protests and consider adoption of the assessment at the May 12 hearing. No member of the public spoke on the item during the meeting.
The council approved the resolution by roll call vote, 5-0. The recorded yes votes were Councilmember Infante; Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Arona; Councilmember Smith; Councilmember Elizabeth Arona; and Mayor David Brown. The resolution directs staff to publish notices and proceed with the statutorily required protest/notice process ahead of the May hearing.
