SIMI VALLEY : Fee Hike Proposed for City Landscaping

Homeowners in Simi Valley could pay up to 28% more for landscaping services under a proposal submitted to the City Council to increase fees the city charges to prune hedges, plant flowers and water hillsides.

The council agreed to schedule a June 6 public hearing on the proposed increases in fees for landscape maintenance in median strips, along roads and other common areas.

If approved, the assessments, based on home values, would increase at the low end from $26 to $32, with top-end fees for large commercial properties increasing from $776 to $899.

Changes in the state law last year requiring 45 days advance notice for rate hikes prevented the city from raising its fees so residents would be hit with two years worth of increases, said John Watring, assistant public works director.

Councilman Bill Davis said he was astounded at the proposed increase.

“It seems ridiculous to have this kind of increase,” Davis said. “It seems like everything is increasing at a time when people are in the worst shape financially.”

City Manager Lin Koester defended the proposed increase.

“It is expensive,” Koester said. “But it does take that amount to keep the landscape up to the level it’s been.”

Councilwoman Judy Mikels pointed out that of 4,000 notices sent out to homeowners alerting them of the proposed increase, the city received only four letters of protest.

“I don’t consider that a tremendous public outcry,” Mikels said.