The Folsom City Council has initiated the process to form a new Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District for the Natoma Station neighborhood, setting in motion a multi-step process governed by California’s Proposition 218. The unanimous vote came during the Council’s June 24 meeting and marks the first of three required actions before new property owner assessments can be adopted.
The proposed district will consolidate with the original Natoma Station Landscaping and Lighting District and is intended to establish a more sustainable funding model for maintaining neighborhood landscaping, lighting, and other public improvements. Under Proposition 218, any changes to assessment rates must be approved by property owners through a ballot process before implementation.
The Natoma Station Landscaping and Lighting (L&L) District funds the upkeep of neighborhood amenities, including landscaped areas, lighting, irrigation, and small parks. The district is funded through annual property assessments approved by local property owners. In recent years, service levels have been impacted due to the district’s assessment revenue falling short of actual maintenance costs. The City of Folsom is now working with residents to explore long-term solutions that can preserve the neighborhood’s appearance and overall quality of life.
As part of the Council’s action, the City authorized NBS Government Finance Group, its engineer of record, to prepare a comprehensive Engineer’s Report. This report will outline the scope of proposed improvements, associated costs, and the method by which assessments will be calculated and distributed among property owners.
While the long-term goal is to update the district’s funding structure, the Council voted to maintain current assessment rates for Natoma Station at fiscal year 2024–25 levels until the Proposition 218 process is complete and a new measure can be considered by the community.
The timeline for the district formation includes three key phases. Step one was completed with the Council’s June 24 vote to adopt a resolution initiating proceedings and authorizing preparation of the Engineer’s Report. Step two, expected to take place in August, will involve the Council considering a resolution to approve the preliminary report, declare its intent to form the new district, and authorize the mailing of Proposition 218 ballots to affected property owners. Step three will occur at least 45 days after ballots are mailed, when the Council will hold a public hearing, count submitted ballots, and may adopt a final resolution to confirm the new assessment rates, depending on the outcome of the vote.
City officials cite that the process will include multiple opportunities for public outreach and resident input in the coming weeks.
To follow the process, residents can access background information, updates, and official city materials online at www.folsom.ca.us/LandscapeAndLighting, including the June 6 and June 20 community updates and recordings of relevant City Council meetings.
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