City leaders are prepared to move to forward with a new plan to address long-standing funding challenges in the Natoma Station Landscaping and Lighting District following the narrow defeat of a proposed assessment increase earlier this year.
At the June 10 Folsom City Council meeting, officials approved a Preliminary Engineer’s Report outlining the financials and future plans for all 30 of the city’s Landscaping and Lighting Districts (LLDs), including Natoma Station. As part of that process, the Council also announced that at its upcoming Tuesday meeting, it will vote on a resolution to initiate the formation of a new consolidated Landscaping and Lighting District for Natoma Station. This action represents the first formal step in the Proposition 218 process, which would allow property owners to vote on a new assessment structure through a mailed ballot.
The Natoma Station district—established in 1990—has operated under an annual household assessment of $91.70 for over three decades. Meanwhile, the cost of maintaining public infrastructure like sidewalks, mini-parks, lighting, landscaping, and sound walls has risen significantly. Without an adjustment to match modern needs and prices, the city has struggled to maintain service levels without subsidizing from the General Fund.
Earlier this year, in March 2025, the city asked Natoma Station property owners to consider a new assessment structure. The proposed increase would have funded ongoing maintenance and aging infrastructure while preserving existing services. However, the measure narrowly failed—50.35% of voters opposed it, compared to 49.65% in favor—triggering immediate concerns about reduced maintenance in the district.
Following the defeat, the city held two public outreach meetings in May to engage Natoma Station residents, share fiscal realities, and hear feedback. City officials acknowledged that previous communication about the district’s financial status was insufficient and pledged to improve transparency moving forward.
As a temporary measure, the City Council voted to maintain funding for Natoma Station at 2024–25 levels, avoiding immediate service cuts while a new proposal is developed. However, councilmembers emphasized this stopgap cannot continue indefinitely, with the General Fund unable to absorb long-term deficits in the district.
To help reduce overhead costs, the Council also voted to slash the consulting budget for the upcoming Prop 218 balloting process—from $70,000 down to $10,000.
Looking ahead, the City Council will take two key actions that directly impact Natoma Station. On June 24, the Council will consider the formal initiation of the new consolidated district and begin the Prop 218 process. Then, on July 8, a public hearing will be held to review and possibly approve the Final Engineer’s Report, following public testimony.
City officials encourage residents to stay informed and involved as the process moves forward. Additional resources, background information, and meeting agendas are available at www.folsom.ca.us/LandscapeAndLighting.
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