Title
Department of Transportation, Maintenance and Operations Division, recommending the Board:
1) Approve the transfer of the remaining fund balance in the Barnett Business Park Lighting Zone of Benefit 98534 into the general CSA 9 fund to reduce administrative costs; and
2) Direct staff to return to the Board with a Budget Transfer by June 30, 2026.
FUNDING: Barnett Business Park Zone of Benefit Assessment. (100%)
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Board formed the Barnett Business Park Zone of Benefit 98534 (Zone) on October 7, 1986, by Resolution 316-86, in response to a petition submitted by the property owners to form the Zone to fund street lighting services.
On November 18, 2025, following a public hearing with no protests from affected parcel owners, the Board dissolved the zone by Resolution 169-2025 and directed staff to evaluate alternative methods for distributing the remaining fund balance and to return with a recommendation.
It is projected that the zone's account balance will be approximately $32,500 on June 1, 2026. Ideally, the funds could be transferred to a single business-owner entity (e.g., a Business Owners Association) for the express purpose of funding street lighting operations within the territory. However, no such entity exists in the Barnett Business Park.
Staff recommends transferring the remaining funds to the General CSA 9 fund to support similar services and reduce administrative costs in the CSA. This approach is consistent with CSA law. A budget transfer will be brought back to the Board by June 30, 2026.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose an alternative action below or give staff further direction.
1. Refund the current parcel owners
• May require funding agreements to ensure funds are used for their original purpose under CSA law;
• A formal claim process with a sunset date may be necessary to ensure all checks will be cashed;
• Estimated County costs: $5,900 (outreach, agreements, additional Board items, monitoring account balances, payment processing, check printing costs, postage, etc.); and
• Net refund per parcel: approximately $400.
2. Request the Auditor-Controller establish a reimbursement account
• Business owners could be reimbursed for the costs paid toward street lighting services on their parcel(s);
• Would require ongoing payment processing until funds are depleted, potentially over several years; and
• Higher administrative burden than Option 1 due to the length of time required to draw down the funds.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
July 29, 2008, Legistar file 08-1093, Majority protest received during assessment ballot proceeding. Staff were directed to turn off the lights due to insufficient funding.
October 21, 2025, Legistar file 25-1199, Board approval of Resolution of Intent to Dissolve the Barnett Business Park Lighting Zone of Benefit
November 18, 2025, Legistar file 25-1200, Public hearing and dissolution of the Barnett Business Park Lighting Zone of Benefit
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no impact to Net County Costs or other County resources. The costs associated with any of the provided options will be paid by the funds remaining in the zone's account which is estimated to be $32,500 on June 1, 2026.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation