City Council forming Landscaping, Lighting District for Natoma Station

The Folsom City Council unanimously adopted a resolution to begin the formal process of potentially forming a new Landscaping and Lighting District for Natoma Station. The Natoma Station Landscaping and Lighting District funds the upkeep of the neighborhood amenities, such as landscaping, lighting, irrigation and parks; it is funded through annual property assessments approved by local property owners, according to city officials. Recently, however, these services have been reduced due to the district's assessment revenue falling short of the cost of maintenance. Now, city officials are working with residents to look for long-term solutions to maintain the area's aesthetics and quality of life. During the city council's June 24 meeting, the first procedural step was made in the Proposition 218 process, also known as the "Right to Vote on Taxes Act." This law was passed by California voters in 1996, which imposes requirements on local governments before the imposition, extension or increase of taxes, assessments or fees. Natoma Station community members will be able to vote on proposed changes to their assessment rates as part of this process. City officials say there are three official steps that must be taken as stated by the law (listed below), with the first step taken June 24. The council also authorized the city's engineer of record, NBS Government Finance Group, to prepare the Engineer's Report outlining the scope of improvements, costs and assessment methodology. The council has also voted to maintain Natoma Station's funding at fiscal year 2024-25 levels, pending the outcome of a new district measure to raise assessments. Folsom city officials said the timeline is as follows: Step 1: Council adopts a resolution to initiate proceedings and authorize preparation of the Engineer's Report (completed June 24). Step 2: Council considers a resolution to approve the preliminary Engineer's Report, declare intent to form the district and authorize the mailing of Proposition 218 ballots to affected property owners (this will happen in August). Step 3: The council holds a public hearing (at least 45 days later), counts submitted ballots and may adopt a resolution to approve the final Engineer's Report and confirm the new assessments.