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Fillmore council starts assessment proceedings for storm‑drain and landscape districts, sets May 12 public hearings
Summary
Council adopted a resolution declaring intent to levy assessments for seven storm‑drain maintenance districts and initiated proceedings for two landscape/lighting districts for FY 2026–27, setting May 12, 2026 as the public‑hearing date; staff cautioned one district (District 3/Hometown) is at its maximum levy and may require a Prop 218 process to change.
The Fillmore City Council on April 14 adopted a resolution declaring its intent to levy annual assessments for seven storm‑drain maintenance districts and set a public hearing for May 12, 2026 to receive public comments on the engineer’s preliminary annual report and proposed levies.
Finance Director Deborah Cavalto said the city’s seven storm‑drain maintenance districts fund operation and maintenance of storm infrastructure (retention basins, catch basins and related facilities) and include an annual inflation‑adjustment formula (the greater of 3% or the Consumer Price Index change). She told council that District 3 (Hometown) is currently at its maximum levy and does not generate sufficient revenue to fully cover a recently added filtration system; options would include cutting costs or pursuing a Prop 218 procedure to add or increase assessments for that district.
Council members asked for clarification about which parcels are included in District 3 and were told maps and the engineer’s report identify the affected parcels. Staff explained that a Prop 218 notice and protest process would be district‑specific; if a majority protest is not received following mailed notices, the council could approve the increase. Council members noted Prop 218 proceedings are time‑consuming and have, in past cases, resulted in majority protests.
On the lighting and landscaping side, staff requested initiation of proceedings for Landscape & Lighting District No. 2 and Heritage Valley Lighting & Landscaping District 2007‑1 for FY 2026–27, including the preliminary engineer’s report and six attached resolutions; council adopted the resolutions and set the same May 12 hearing date. Several council members recused themselves from votes on particular zones where they had conflicts; the clerk will record the recusals and tabulate votes accordingly.
The council’s motion to adopt the storm‑drain intent resolution and to initiate landscape and lighting proceedings passed unanimously. The public hearing on both assessment types is scheduled for the May 12 council meeting.
