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Council directs engineers’ reports for 30 lighting and landscaping districts; staff clarifies purpose and Prop 218 process
Summary
Council approved a resolution directing preparation of engineers’ reports for 30 landscaping and lighting districts, with staff explaining the annual process, what the assessments fund and the difference from a general tax; Natoma Station was noted as running on a parallel ballot track.
FOLSOM, Calif. — On Feb. 25 the Folsom City Council approved a resolution directing preparation of engineers’ reports for the city’s 30 landscaping and lighting districts, a routine first step in the fiscal-year assessment process. Staff clarified that the action begins an annual three-step process and described what the assessments can and cannot fund.
Jamison Larson, senior management analyst with Parks and Recreation, explained that the agenda item (resolution number 11,330) orders engineers’ reports to be prepared for landscaping and lighting districts for fiscal year 2025–26. Larson noted the city initiates the reports annually for all existing districts and that some districts are concurrently pursuing Proposition 218 ballot proceedings to allow residents to vote on adjusted assessments.
Larson said the district funds are restricted to the specific assets and maintenance duties listed in each district’s engineer’s report and formation documents and cannot be spent citywide. He gave examples: tree maintenance, medians, streetscapes, sound walls, fences, public art and in one district a waterfall in the American River Canyon area.
Councilmember Leary asked whether Natoma Station was included; Larson said Natoma Station was moving through parallel Proposition 218 ballot proceedings and, if the March 25 public hearing there succeeds, Natoma Station would be removed from the annual engineers’ report list. Larson also explained the city sometimes places districts in a Prop 218 process when they face financial hardship and need voter approval for new or increased assessments.
Councilmember Leary pressed staff to clarify that lighting and landscaping assessments are not the same as a general tax; Larson replied the assessments are charged to properties within a district in proportion to special benefits and are narrowly constrained by each district’s reports and formation documents.
The council voted unanimously to approve the resolution ordering preparation of engineers’ reports. Councilmembers also approved related consent calendar items earlier in the meeting (items 4, 5 and 7) that were moved together without separate discussion.
