title
Open a noticed Public Hearing on the Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District Levy of Assessment for FY2026/27; and Continue the Public Hearing to August 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. without further notice
body
Published Notice Required? Yes __X__ No _ __
Public Hearing Required? Yes __X__ No _ __
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Open a noticed Public Hearing on the Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District Levy of Assessment for FY2026/27; and
2. Continue the Public Hearing to August 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. without further notice.
SUMMARY:
In October 1990, the Board created the Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District (District) following a majority vote of property owners in favor of its formation. At the same time, the Board entered into an agreement with the City of Fairfield and the Solano Land Trust (SLT) providing for an annual assessment within the District. Revenues from the assessment, together with funds raised through the City of Fairfield's North Cordelia Community Facilities District No. 2, are used by the Solano Land Trust to acquire and maintain open space lands in the Green Valley area. This agreement is described in more detail in the Discussion section below.
On June 2, 2026, pursuant to the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, the Board scheduled a public hearing for July 28, 2026, and adopted two resolutions regarding the FY2026/27 Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District assessments (Attachment D). One resolution directed the preparation of the Annual Engineer’s Report (Resolution No. 2026-125) and the second stated the Board’s intention to order improvements and levy assessments for the Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District (Resolution No. 2026-126). The recommended action is to continue the Public Hearing to August 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. without further notice.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2026/27 Working Budget. Assessment revenues are collected solely for the benefit of the Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District and are distributed in accordance with the District's governing agreement. These funds are restricted to District purposes and are not available for general County operations.
DISCUSSION:
Concurrently with the creation of the Green Valley Open Space Maintenance District in October 1990, the Board entered into an agreement with the City of Fairfield and the Solano Land Trust (SLT) providing for an annual assessment within the District. Under the agreement: (1) the Board levies an annual assessment that increases by $2.50 each year pursuant to the terms of the 1990 agreement, from the 1989-90 base assessment of $80 per parcel; (2) the City of Fairfield levies an annual special tax on property within North Cordelia Community Facilities District No. 2 in the same amount per parcel as the County assessment; and (3) revenues from both districts are used by the Solano Land Trust to acquire and maintain open space lands in the Green Valley area. The Engineer's Report identifies total assessment revenues of $122,232.50 based on 697 assessed parcels. The Engineer's Report describes the proposed assessment, the method of apportionment, and the basis for levying the assessment in accordance with the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972.
The Solano Land Trust (SLT) has prepared a report on the Green Valley Land Conservation Project (Attachment C). The report includes a proposed budget for FY2026/27 and a financial summary. In its report, the SLT provides highlights of significant work completed at the Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Park, which has been supported in part through District assessment revenues.
While the SLT owns the park, Solano County Parks manages public access Fridays through Mondays. A major change to visitor access was made this year when park hours were expanded from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. from May 1 through August 31. The extended hours allow park visitors to use the trails during cooler periods of the day throughout the summer months. From March 2025 through February 2026, attendance totaled 6,140 visitors, demonstrating continued public use of the preserve.
In the Lynch Canyon area, the SLT intends to begin planning for the Ken Poerner Trail, which will provide a connection between Lynch Canyon Open Space Preserve and Newell Open Space Preserve.
Public Noticing Requirement
Notice of the public hearing and Resolution 2026-126 was published at least 10 days before the scheduled hearing in the Fairfield Daily Republic, as resolved in Resolution 2026-126, adopted June 2, 2026.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The City of Fairfield prepares the draft Engineer’s Report and administers the program in coordination with the Solano Land Trust pursuant to the 1990 agreement.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION