Council adopts assessment increases for landscaping and lighting districts

Los Banos City Council on June 3 adopted Resolution 7103 confirming the annual assessments for Landscaping and Lighting Districts Nos. 1–7 and 9–19 for fiscal year 2026–27.

The council and staff told residents the assessments pay for neighborhood landscaping, lighting, sidewalks and park maintenance. City Engineer James Gozette said some districts have fallen short of covering both routine maintenance and larger capital needs; increases shown in the engineer’s report range from about 5% to the 10% statutory cap for some parcels.

Residents at the public hearing pressed staff for specifics. Kathy Ballard, who said she lives in District 4, asked why her district was at a 10% increase and whether the money would address recurring maintenance complaints. "We're at 10% which is the max I'm assuming," Ballard said, adding she wants assurance that lighting and mowing problems will be fixed.

Staff and directors explained the drivers behind the increases: volatile operational costs (power, water), an intent to begin charging district 'chargeouts' for street staff time that had previously been subsidized by other funds, and upcoming capital work such as ADA corner upgrades. Staff noted that some districts are being brought up to self-sustaining funding levels and that one district (Meadowlands, No. 11) currently has a negative balance that requires catch-up funding.

City staff cited roughly $55,000 in planned capital work for College Greens (District 4), including ADA improvements and parking-lot rehabilitation. City staff also said they will inspect neighborhood lights to ensure LEDs are operating properly and evaluate lumen levels as warranted.

After discussion the council moved, seconded and adopted Resolution 7103 by voice vote. The mayor announced the motion carried.