INITIATIVES SOUGHT FOR BALLOT

Requests for the City Council to take action on our proposals rejected.

Having unsuccessfully been able to secure a public hearing on our proposals, our committee is now preparing initiatives for the ballot. There are 2 pending initiatives, one for reform in CFD 2004-2 (Mayfield Neighborhood) and CFD 2004-3 (Neighborhood near Cross Elementary School)

Please see the proposed initiatives for each, soon to be published in the local newspaper.

Your support is requested.

What’s Happening in Our Community?

If you live in Community Facilities District 2004-3 (near Cross Elementary School), you may have noticed that your special CFD taxes are quite high.

For example, in the 2024/2025 fiscal year, the City Council approved a tax rate of $1,109.64 for homes between 1,701 and 1,900 square feet. This information comes directly from the City’s official resolution.

But here’s the surprising part: if you own undeveloped land in the same area, you pay nothing in CFD taxes for facilities. That means homeowners are shouldering the tax burden, while landowners with undeveloped property pay zero. We think that’s simply not fair.

Why Does This Happen?

These taxes were created under a law passed in 1982, after Proposition 13 limited property tax revenues. The idea was to let local communities fund new schools and public facilities by voting to approve bonds, which would be paid back over time through special taxes.

Unfortunately, in some cases, this system has been misused. Agreements were made with developers who owned large tracts of land. Often, a single developer would “vote” as the only landowner to approve taxes for improvements—like roads and utilities—meant to benefit future homes. When families bought homes in these developments, the tax responsibility shifted to them, while the developer (who owned the unimproved land) didn’t pay the tax.

In short, homeowners like you end up paying taxes that the original landowner or developer does not.

Why Should You Care?

Right now, there’s an 11-acre lot near the school that isn’t being taxed for CFD facilities, while you are. This land could be developed into homes and walking paths, making our neighborhood even better. But the City is delaying approval, and the tax system remains unfair.

If the land were taxed fairly, your taxes could be reduced. That’s why we’re circulating a petition to address this issue and bring fairness to our community.

How Can You Help?

Would you consider sponsoring our proposal? The petition is attached for your review. Your support can make a real difference in ensuring everyone pays their fair share—and that our neighborhood thrives.

Take Action Today!

• Review the attached petition.

• Sign and share it with your neighbors.

• Contact us with your questions or to get involved.

Together, we can make our voices heard and create a fairer system for all residents. Let’s stand up for our community and make positive change happen!

Thank you for your time and consideration!