Oak Park MAC votes 4–1 to pursue CSA4 assessment increase, keep CSA4 governance

The Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council voted 4–1 on April 30 to ask Ventura County Public Works to pursue an assessment increase under Community Service Area 4 (CSA4) and to continue with the CSA4 governance model rather than forming a Community Services District. Brianna Adams made the motion and Jane Nye seconded; the motion passed with Brian Trushinski opposed.

Supervisor Jeff Gorell and Joan Araujo, Public Works Central Services Director, presented the CSA4 financial outlook and described steps needed for an assessment increase, including developing an engineer’s report. “Supervisor Gorell clarified that providing direction would allow the County to move forward with a governance model and that Public Works requires direction to proceed with next steps, including development of an assessment increase proposal and initiation of an engineer’s report,” the presentation said. Councilmembers emphasized that current tax revenues are insufficient to sustain desired service levels in Oak Park.

Council discussion focused on whether governance and funding decisions should be linked; several members said funding needs exist regardless of governance structure. JL Diaz called the situation a financial urgency and urged timely action; Jane Nye asked whether the engineer’s report would consider cost-of-living adjustments. Joan Araujo confirmed the report’s purpose is to assess funding needs but that Public Works must receive formal direction from the MAC before proceeding.

The MAC’s formal direction instructs County staff to develop an assessment increase proposal and initiate the engineering and reporting steps necessary to advance the CSA4 option. The Council recorded four votes in favor (Adams, Nye, Diaz, Santucci) and one opposed (Trushinski).