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La Verne council approves landscape and lighting assessments, staff to expand resident outreach for underfunded zones
Summary
Council approved annual levies for multiple landscape and lighting maintenance districts but flagged a shortfall in one zone and directed staff to pursue resident education and possible Prop 218 proceedings or inter‑district loan options to address reserves.
The La Verne City Council moved forward on annual levies for several landscape and lighting maintenance districts Monday while acknowledging shortfalls in some zones and directing staff to expand resident outreach.
City Manager Cody Howling summarized the annual assessment process for Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 6 and related zones. He said most zones are at their maximum assessments except Zone 5, which maintains a healthy reserve. "For Zone 4‑1 the CPI inflator yields a 3% increase — about $4.59 per parcel — and Zone 6 similarly reflects the CPI change," Howling said.
Staff explained Zone 3 (District 6 Zone 3/4.2/42 as discussed) lacks sufficient reserves and recommended either an inter‑district interest‑bearing loan or loan from the general fund as a temporary measure. When asked how much would be required this year to balance the shortfall for District 6, Howling said it would be $2,814 for the fiscal year to cover the deficit.
Residents urged outreach and transparency before approval. Virginia Beltran, who said she has lived in La Verne for 62 years, recommended the city fix leaks and do low‑cost repairs to reduce water use before asking for assessment increases. "If it's a simple fix, that would cut a lot of usage," Beltran said, urging the city to educate voters about consequences of voting down increases.
Council members debated whether to borrow from healthy districts: "I do not support taking away from a different zone that's paid the fees," Council Member Johnson said. Other members emphasized an education campaign to help subsequent buyers and HOA members understand the nature of their assessments and the consequences of rejecting increases under Proposition 218.
Council approved the levies for Districts 6, 7, 8 and the Municipal Improvement Act district (84‑1) by unanimous votes, but directed staff to start immediate outreach and return with options for Zone 3 and other districts that may need Prop 218 proceedings or cost‑reduction strategies. Staff also noted a hard tax roll deadline of August 10 for inclusion of levies on property tax bills.
Votes at a glance: council approved the annual levies for Landscape & Lighting Maintenance District Nos. 6, 7 and 8 and MI 1913 District 84‑1 (each approved 5–0).
