In this post, CivicMic provides the latest information as a "Hesperia meeting follow-up" for the proposed formation of a Community Facilities District ("CFD") to assist with the funding of improvements, maintenance, and ongoing operations of the Hesperia Golf & Country Club. The formation of a CFD results in a special tax added to the secured property tax bill of parcels within the boundaries of the CFD. If you are familiar with this topic, please scroll down past the "Quick Links." If you are new to this topic, please click on the "Quick Links" below for valuable background information.
Important: Formation of a CFD must be approved by the affected voters. The City can't form a CFD without voter approval.
Quick Links
Project Background
Improvements Made Since September 2019
Video: Introduction to Community Facilities Districts ("CFD")
Steps for the Formation of a CFD
First Survey: Comments Received
Addition of Zone 3 Parcels
Video: Virtual Community Meeting
Web Map with Proposed Boundaries and Zones
As you may recall from our previous post, the City has been considering many of the comments, ideas, and questions received from Hesperia residents at the virtual community meeting.
11/2/2020 Update: The survey referenced below is now closed.
CivicMic is currently hosting the same survey previously offered to Zones 1 and 2 residents to the newly added 237 parcels in Zone 3. The addition of Zone 3 is a direct result of the community's participation in this process. Note: The current survey (a repeat of the first) is available to all three zones. If you have not previously taken the survey, please click here to take the survey now. We would like to hear from you!
Hesperia Meeting Follow-Up
As a result of the community's participation, the City has expanded the boundaries of the proposed CFD, by adding Zone 3, to increase the number of properties contributing through an annual special tax thus lowering the financial burden to everyone. In this post, CivicMic will address additional suggestions and questions received from the community:
- Would the City consider including community signage, entry monuments, and sidewalks to the list of improvements to be funded by the special tax?
- What is the impact of a golf course on the appraised value of properties nearby?
- What would "desert landscape" look like if the City is unable to continue the maintenance and operations of the Hesperia Golf & Country Club?
Yes, if desired by the residents, the City could include community signage, monuments, and sidewalks to the project and the special tax. According to the City, the signage and monuments cost between $35,000 and $40,000 in total. Four (4) monuments would be installed and the green street signs would be replaced with a unique color to the community. We have included a picture of the type of monument priced by the City.
The cost of sidewalks is $5 per square foot for a 4' wide sidewalk. The City has estimated that 5,445 linear feet of sidewalk (4' wide) would be needed for a total of 21,780 sq. ft. at $5 = $108,900.
As a point of reference, the figures presented at the virtual community meeting reflected a special tax totaling $250,000 per year to assist with the annual maintenance of the Hesperia Golf & Country Club. The presentation also reflected only two zones for a total of 698 units. An additional zone has since been added with an additional 237 units. CivicMic is currently working with the City and NBS to provide updated figures at the next upcoming virtual community meeting.
Regarding the impact of a golf course on the appraised value of properties nearby, the question was posed to the City's appraiser resulting in the following response: “Regarding your question about the value of houses on or away from a golf course, in our experience there would typically be a premium for houses that back to a golf course."
Please click on the links below for additional information found by CivicMic.
Parks & Recreation: How much does living close to a golf course add to property values?
Golf Advisor: Club amenities vs. real estate market values
Forbes: Homeowners will pay the price for a backyard golf course
We have received inquiries about how the golf course would look like if the City is unable to continue funding the shortfall in golf revenue resulting in the closure of the Hesperia Golf & Country Club. At the community meeting, the look was referred to as "desert landscape." We have included a picture, submitted by the City, of what "desert landscape" may be like.
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if the city wants to up grade golf course? then the people who use it should pay for it ! not homeowners. the city should pave the dam roads that are full of holes. we pay high property tax for our house on Oakwood & Main. the street keeps getting worse. drive on 4th st between walnut & main. the street is falling apart.we pay enough taxes. cut back on raises to city workers & tighten your belts to come up with funds for golf course. or sell it to an investor & build more houses. master planned community!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi James,
Thank you much for the feedback. We are planning to have a community meeting soon to address your concerns also shared by others in the community. In the meantime, please watch a video of the first community meeting for helpful background information at this web address https://civicmic.com/video-hesperia-golf-1st-community-meeting-may-7th/
Have a great weekend!