Hearing Tonight on Park Maintenance Fees

A controversial plan that would more than triple the landscape maintenance fees paid by property owners near the Champions Sports Complex will be the topic of a public hearing and debate at tonight’s City Council session.

Under the plan, the annual levy for a single-family home would rise to $299.61, up from $95.49 now. The landscape maintenance fee for undeveloped property would jump to $1,498.07 an acre, up from $477.45.

When the proposal first came up earlier this month, angry homeowners packed council chambers to protest. Among those against the plan is Glenn Weeks, who termed the increase “unconscionable.”

“There shouldn’t be any tax increases,” Weeks said.

“They should look at their existing budgets to cut taxes,” he said, by first getting rid of “the fat.”

Weeks and other residents also complain that charging only east Placentia residents for maintaining the new Champions Sports Complex, which was dedicated in November, would be unfair. The park is used by residents across the city and from other communities, Weeks said.

After hearing the complaints, council members asked the city staff to develop alternate strategies.

At tonight’s meeting, the council may adopt the new fees, which were recommended by the staff, or consider other options.

The public hearing is set for 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.