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Santa Paula adopts county watershed assessment at $37.74 per household
Summary
The council on May 20 adopted Resolution No. 7615 to continue participation in the Ventura County Watershed Protection District benefit‑assessment program at $37.74 per assessment unit per year, a measure that will bring approximately $66,000 back to Santa Paula for stormwater and MS4 compliance.
The Santa Paula City Council voted May 20 to adopt a county‑administered watershed benefit assessment for fiscal year 2026–27 that will fund stormwater/NPDES and MS4 obligations.
Staff explained the Ventura County Watershed Protection District is proposing the same per‑household charge as last year — $37.74 per benefit‑assessment unit — applied to roughly 9,990 residential units in the city, which county estimates would raise about $375,421 overall and return roughly $66,000 to Santa Paula for local stormwater work.
Vice Mayor Crosswhite moved adoption of Resolution No. 7615 authorizing city participation and continuation of the $37.74 assessment; Councilmember Ornelas seconded. The council adopted the resolution on a 3–0 roll call (Councilmember Chavez and Councilmember Cornejo were absent). The clerk confirmed publication and no public comments were received during the hearing.
City Attorney Monica Castillo clarified that Proposition 218 proceedings and any challenges to the assessment would be handled at the county level, not by the city.
Why it matters: The assessment helps fund regulatory obligations and local stormwater projects required by state and federal permits. Councilmembers noted the amount has been effectively stagnant for years and urged continued coordination with the county to ensure the assessment covers rising compliance costs.
Outcome: Resolution No. 7615 adopted; funding will be available to support the city's stormwater program in FY 2026–27.
