Natoma Station Landscaping and Lighting District funding shortfall topic of City Council this week

The Folsom City Council will be addressing the issue of how to address a funding shortfall for the Natoma Station Landscaping and Lighting District at its meeting Tuesday, June 10; the community is urged to attend to listen and provide input. The Natoma Station Landscaping and Lighting District is one of 30 landscaping and lighting districts in the City of Folsom. These districts maintain public amenities like landscaping, lighting, sidewalks, sound walls, parks, and open space. According to city officials, costs have increased significantly over the past three decades while budget and service levels have not changed. Due to an ongoing budget shortfall, currently planned service reductions will take effect starting July 1. The reductions will result in reduced watering and elimination of moving, no turf fertilization, aeration or weed control, and no shrub pruning or replacement of damaged assets, to name a few. To address the funding shortfall, the city proposed new assessment options in early 2024. Options ranged from maintaining current service levels to enhanced improvements, all aimed at covering aging infrastructure, rising utility costs, and ongoing maintenance. In March 2025, property owners voted on a proposed assessment increase. The measure narrowly failed, with 50.35% opposed and 49.65% in favor. Now, city staff said they are "working to align service levels within the available budget while continuing to explore long-term solutions." At the June 10 City Council meeting, two items will be considered that affect the district: A preliminary engineer's report which outlines the proposed district budgets and improvement activities for the upcoming fiscal year for all districts. Approval of the Preliminary Engineer's Report advances the process to a public hearing on July 8 to allow public testimony regarding proposed assessments and to consider final approval of the Engineer's Report. This is a process undertaken every year as part of the regular budget. The Council will also address the fiscal year 2025-26 City Annual Budget. As part of the city's overall budget discussion, the City Council may consider whether to allow deficit spending in the Natoma Station District to offset the district's shortfall and meet short term maintenance needs. The City of Folsom hosted community outreach meetings on May 20 and May 28 with Natoma Station residents. The community expressed frustration with how the budget shortfall evolved and shared their concerns with the adverse impacts to their neighborhood. City officials say they recognize and acknowledge that changes in the budgeting approach are warranted and are committed to correcting and improving its procedures. Some residents have suggested temporary deficit spending to maintain services until another ballot measure can be considered. This suggestion may be discussed as part of the city's overall budget conversation at the June 10 meeting. You can learn more here: www.folsom.ca.us/LandscapeAndLighting