Assessments
Why has my benefit fee increased?
Property owners should be aware that the actual "cost for service" has remained virtually unchanged for the past several years. However, in previous years not all budget work has been completed, and we have applied the unspent funds as a reduction to the amount placed on your tax roll. This year's budget includes not only new work, but also work not completed in the prior year. Therefore, we are not able to utilize prior year's funds to offset this year's levy.
Important Information about your Tax Bill
The Santa Rosa CSD is a public agency responsible for maintaining many of the roads in the De Luz area. The maintenance funds are collected via "benefit fees" paid by those property owners who reside within the District boundaries, and collected on the property tax rolls of Riverside County. You will see the following two line items on your tax bill that are placed by the Santa Rosa CSD:
Santa Rosa Com Sv Benefit Charge (Fund 68-4171)
The Santa Rosa Community Services District is divided into five geographical zones. Each year, prior to drafting the budget, all accepted District roads are inspected with a representative of the zone to determine the maintenance work required for the coming fiscal year. Public budget workshops are held to discuss the recommended improvements, as well as the overhead costs of running the District. The cost of maintaining the primary roads, and the general and administrative costs are shared equally on a "per acre" basis by all property owners within the District. The cost of maintaining the secondary roads is shared equally on a "per acre" basis by the property owners of that zone only. The maintenance cost of the District primary roads, the general and administrative expense, and the maintenance of the secondary roads within your particular zone make up your benefit fee.
Santa Rosa CSD Sheriff Spec Tax (Fund 68-4174)
In 1989, the District contracted with the County of Riverside for a Deputy Sheriff dedicated to service within the CSD boundaries. This Deputy was in addition to the level of service already provided by the County. The arrangement proved so successful, that the following year an additional Deputy was added to the contract, and we remain at that level of two dedicated Deputies. The "special tax" for this service is $16.33 per acre, per year.
*Please note: Certain parcels within the District will also have the following assessment included:
Santa Rosa AD90-1 (Fund 68-4173)
Assessment District No. 90-1 was formed in 1992 for road and water improvements to various previously non-accepted roads. Upon completion of the improvements, these roads were taken into the District system for maintenance purposes. The District assists in administering the activities of AD90-1, including reapportionment of assessments due to parcel splits, placement on the tax rolls, and payoff calculations for early retirement of assessments. This is a $1,479,000 twenty- five year bond issue that will mature in the year 2016. Your assessments will fluctuate just slightly until the bonds are paid in full.
If the above information has not sufficiently answered your questions, please contact Jill Gipson at the District Office, (951) 296-3176 x202.
