San Benito supervisors table CFD annexation for new subdivision amid concerns over fee calculations
Summary
After extended questioning about fee methodology and reliance on a 2018 fiscal-impact baseline, the Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to table a request to annex a new subdivision into a Community Facilities District (CFD); staff had presented an assessment of $1,785.70 annually per unit.
County staff presented a request to annex a new subdivision into Community Facilities District (CFD) 2018 so the district would maintain streets, sidewalks, storm drains, street lights, signs, monuments and landscaping for an additional assessment described as $1,785.70 annually per unit.
Board members raised repeated concerns about the underlying fee calculations and whether the county’s 2018 fiscal-impact baseline — used to derive current CFD assessments — accurately reflects post‑pandemic construction and maintenance costs. "The price of asphalt today is what's built into this cost," a county staff presenter said, noting consultants input current unit prices into the 2018 framework to calculate per-unit rates.
Several supervisors called for a broader policy review comparing CFDs, County Service Areas (CSAs) and homeowner associations (HOAs), and for legal and fiscal analysis of the county’s options if assessments prove insufficient. One board member argued the county should avoid taking on routine maintenance responsibilities: "We as a county should not be involved in taking care of roads and other ... things within a new subdivision," the board member said, urging the county to require new development to cover its own costs.
Board members also questioned whether the 2018 fiscal-impact report — used as the baseline in the calculation — understates pandemic-related cost increases. A board member said relying on a 2018 baseline could miss post-pandemic price spikes and asked for a refreshed review before approving long-term maintenance obligations.
Given those concerns, a motion was made to table the annexation request pending a comprehensive CFD/CSA/HOA policy discussion and any needed updates to the fiscal assumptions. The board adopted the motion on a roll-call vote, 5-0, and ended the public hearing on the item.
