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Schedule a public hearing on the FY2025/26 Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District assessments for July 22, 2025; Adopt a resolution directing preparation of the Annual Engineer’s Report; and Adopt a resolution of intention to order improvements and levy assessments for the Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Solano County Board of Supervisors:
1. Schedule a public hearing on the FY2025/26 Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District assessments for July 22, 2025;
2. Adopt a resolution directing preparation of the Annual Engineer's Report (Attachment A); and
3. Adopt a resolution of intention to order improvements and levy assessments for the Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District (Attachment B).
SUMMARY:
Since its creation in 1990, parcels within the Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District have paid an assessment that is increased by $2.50 annually upon approval of the Solano County Board of Supervisors per an agreement with the Solano Land Trust (SLT) and the City of Fairfield. The assessment is used by the SLT to acquire and maintain open space property in the Green Valley area, described in more detail below. The current assessment of $167.50 was approved by the Board on August 6, 2024 and per the agreement with SLT and the City of Fairfield the assessment is due for the annual $2.50 increase to $170.00.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972, the Solano County Board of Supervisors must set a date for a public hearing on the proposed assessment of $170.00 per parcel for FY2025/26 for the Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District. The Board must also give notice of its intent to order improvements and levy assessments under the provision of the District and direct the Engineer of Work, who is the Director of Resource Management, to prepare the Annual Engineer's Report for the Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget. This action has no impact to the County General Fund, with funding provided through an assessment levied under the Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District. Prior to accessing the funds, SLT notifies the Department so that the purpose for use of the funds can be compared against the terms of the original agreement.
DISCUSSION:
In October 1990, the Board created the Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District following a majority vote of property owners in favor of the formation. At the same time, the Board entered into an agreement with the City of Fairfield and SLT (previously known as the Solano County Farmlands and Open Space Foundation) which provides that: (1) the Board will levy an annual assessment in the District in an amount which will increase $2.50 each year from the 1989-90 base year of $80; (2) the City of Fairfield will levy a special tax annually on property in the North Cordelia Community Facilities District No. 2 in the same amount per parcel as the County district assessment; and (3) the monies raised from both districts will be used by SLT to acquire and maintain open space lands in the Green Valley area. Funding from this District has included support for maintenance at the Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi park (formerly known as Rockville Trails Preserve).
The resolution directing preparation of the Annual Engineer’s Report designates the Director of Resource Management as the Engineer of Work for the District. The draft Engineer's Report will be prepared by the City of Fairfield and reviewed by the Public Works-Engineering Division of the Resource Management Department.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt a resolution directing the preparation of the engineer’s report or the resolution of intention to order improvement and levy assessments for the Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District. This is not recommended because this would be inconsistent with provisions of the agreement between the SLT, the City of Fairfield, and the County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The City of Fairfield and the SLT administer the program under the County’s Green Valley Open Space and Maintenance District agreement. The City of Fairfield will prepare the draft Engineer's Report.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION