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Residents warn Prop 218 assessment formulas could cause sticker shock, spur development
Summary
Multiple public commenters and directors debated whether assessments should be based on current use, parcel size, or build-out potential; several residents warned that basing construction assessments on theoretical build-out could induce development or produce unfair bills for agricultural and vacant parcels.
Several residents told the board that construction-assessment choices carry equity risks for small-property owners and farmers. One commenter warned, "You cannot say that you've got the community on board behind you if you only have 40 people or 45 people that show up at a meeting," and urged the district to pause before moving to a Prop 218 vote. Another resident said: "If any of this is based on the build out potential of a parcel, then it will drive and encourage and virtually for some parcels require development," and argued that assessing based on potential, rather than current use, would be "grossly unjust."
Directors and staff responded throughout a sustained exchange that modeling different scenarios would be necessary to demonstrate the magnitude of impacts. Board members discussed tools such as connection fees, conservation easements and zoning adjustments to avoid forcing unwanted development, and asked staff to pursue assessment-engineer scenarios and an RFQ/RFP process before a formal vote.
