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Board approves most CSA dirt‑road rate increases; Landers (R‑15) deferred after abstention and a no vote
Summary
After a detailed public hearing about washed‑out roads and emergency access in Landers, Flamingo Heights and other zones, the board approved the proposed updates to several county service area (CSA) dirt‑road charges but did not move forward on Zone R‑15 because of an abstention and a no vote; staff will renotice or bring R‑15 back at a later date.
San Bernardino County supervisors on March 24 approved updated annual per‑parcel charges for multiple county service area (CSA) dirt‑road zones intended to restore routine grading and sustain maintenance that longstanding fixed fees no longer cover.
Public Works Director Noel Castillo explained the road zones date from 1984–1991; many of the per‑parcel charges (historically $15–$35) have not been inflation‑adjusted since formation and no longer fund routine grading for roughly 430 miles of dirt roads in the Landers area. Castillo recommended updated per‑parcel charges and an annual inflation escalator of up to 3% to sustain operations and maintenance; he noted the item is strictly for operations (no capital improvements) and that Proposition 218 majority‑protest rules apply — if a majority protest is received the zone could be dissolved and road maintenance shift to property owners.
Numerous residents from Joshua Tree, Landers, Flamingo Heights, Yucca Valley and surrounding areas testified: some asked the board to approve the increases because maintenance has been suspended and emergency access is at risk; others opposed sizable percentage increases (some as much as 200–300%) or objected to automatic annual inflation, requesting more community outreach and an additional town hall. Several speakers raised practical questions about grading methods, water use during grading, and whether county‑excavated material could be made available for local private repairs; at least one speaker said the county previously agreed to stop grading particular private‑property roads.
In the board discussion, Supervisor Armendariz abstained on R‑15 because she owns property there. Supervisor Cook voted no on recommendations 1 and 2 for reasons he stated on the record. The board moved to approve recommendations 1 and 2 except for Zone R‑15; County Counsel and staff clarified that R‑15 does not proceed today and staff would renotice and bring it back for further action. Recommendations 3 and 4 were approved separately. Staff said if no majority protest is received the board may authorize a mail ballot election (earliest possible date May 8, 2026) for property‑owner ratification.
Provenance: Staff presentation, public testimony, board deliberations and votes (topic introduced SEG 1055; debate and votes documented through SEG 1686).
