Lighting Assessment

I am writing in support of the Thousand Oaks lighting assessment ballot pursuant to Prop. 218, which requires a vote to keep our street lights on.

The property owners in the city have now received ballots, and I expect there may be some confusion. This letter only addresses the street lighting portion of the ballot.

Please note that the city is not increasing the assessment for street lighting and, in fact, you will probably see a reduction. The city has set a maximum of $8 per year for single-family homes. On the back, the ballot explains that this charge can only be increased by the inflation rate or 3%, whichever is greater.

For your neighborhood’s safety, please vote yes and encourage all your neighbors to do the same. We will lose our street lighting without your vote.

DON VOLZ, President, Central Thousand Oaks Homeowners Assn.

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My wife and I intend to vote no on the special assessment tax increase requested by the city of Thousand Oaks.

At present, 25% of the parcels in this city pay a special assessment for the maintenance of the landscaping and lighting. The other 75% have the cost paid for them out of the general fund. That is unfair.

Special assessment districts were set up by cities to circumvent Proposition 13 property tax limitations. Vote no and you close this loophole, which cities are using to unfairly raise our taxes.

Your ballot must be signed and received by June 9.

MICHAEL A. DUNN, Newbury Park