Council approves annexation of Tract 7421 into CFD 0815 to fund maintenance for new Lenar Homes development

Shafter City Council voted Dec. 2 to annex Tract 7421 (Gossamer Grove) into Community Facilities District (CFD) 0815 and levy special taxes to fund operation and maintenance of public improvements for the new Lenar Homes subdivision.

City staff told the council the proposal covers maintenance of parks, landscaping, street lighting and related public facilities for the 97 residential lots Lenar Homes plans to construct. Staff said the estimated annual operating and maintenance cost for the included public facilities is approximately $48,794 in the first year, which staff said results in an annual per‑lot rate consistent with the existing CFD (about $534 per lot per year); the rate may increase annually up to a 4% CPI cap.

The council opened the public hearing, called for protests and received none. The city clerk reported no written protests and confirmed there are no registered voters in the territory; the council therefore proceeded with a landowner election. City staff canvassed the election and reported that all votes cast were in favor of the measures.

On motions from Council Member Alvarado and a second from Council Member Espinosa, the council adopted the resolutions calling a special landowner election and declaring the results, and then waived the first reading and read by title Ordinance 765, an ordinance authorizing and levying special taxes within CFD 0815 that include the annexation territory.

The council’s action establishes the CFD financing mechanism; future implementation steps for specific public improvements will be presented to council as projects and budgets are developed.

— Reporting by a staff presentation and the city clerk’s canvas of the special election concluded that the measures passed. The ordinance was read by title only; subsequent readings and implementation steps will follow the city’s standard process.