Logo courtesy of the City of Dixon

DIXON, CA (MPG) - At the July 7 meeting, the Dixon City Council considered the annual assessment of the Dixon Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District for Zones 1-10.

There were no increases proposed to the assessments this year, aside from the annual adjustment allowed in Zone 10, the Valley Glen Development Area. Based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the percentage increase for this zone is approximately 2.48%. 

Rates in Zones 1-9 have not increased since 1993, although costs for streetlight energy, maintenance, and water have risen annually.

The total amount expected to be collected from all zone assessments is $216,677, which does not cover the costs of maintenance. For fiscal year 2026-27, a general fund contribution of $241,111 will be required to cover the shortfall. 

Interim Public Works Director Bruce Barrette said, “This is just not a sustainable method of funding these types of things.” He said the budget includes funding to start the Prop. 218 process to look at increasing the assessments for all zones to ensure they cover actual costs. 

City Attorney Douglas White said while the Prop. 218 process is part of upcoming city plans, there has been a question of whether it’s the right time to pursue increased assessments — since residents are already facing higher costs across the board. But some areas of the city pay significantly higher assessments than others, so White said it is an issue that needs to be addressed. The city will need to find a way to spread the costs more efficiently and stop relying on the general fund to subsidize these services. 

Mayor Steven Bird said it would make sense if everyone were paying equal rates. 

Vice Mayor Jim Ernest agreed that the current process is not fair and should be addressed. 

Councilmember Thom Bogue suggested this should be a future agenda item for a full discussion. 

The council voted 3-0 to approve the report and the assessments, with Councilmembers Don Hendershot and Kevin Johnson absent.

The council held a public hearing for the annual process of sending past-due residential Recology accounts to the property tax roll for collection. This year, there were 249 delinquent accounts with a total of $78,973 in unpaid charges. 

The council voted 3-0 to the collection of these funds. 

The council also considered a new employment agreement with Assistant City Manager Melissa Eads, moving her into the city manager position upon the retirement of City Manager Jim Lindley. Lindley will retire on the last day of July, so Eads will officially step into the role on Aug. 1. 

City Attorney White said the five-year contract shows the city and Eads have a mutual dedication for stability in this position. The recommended salary is $290,000 per year, based on compensation in comparable cities. The agreement also includes an annual cost-of-living increase and an elective home loan assistance program to support her relocation to Dixon. 

Councilmember Bogue explained that the city attorney and city manager are employees of the city council, so those positions don’t require public input on the hiring process: “So, as we select them, you select us.” Bogue said he is always conservative about costs, so he had some concerns about the salary level, but he’s impressed with Eads’ “energy and dedication,” as well as her vision for moving the city forward. 

Vice Mayor Ernest said the council wanted to ensure a smooth transition after Lindley’s retirement, and bringing Eads on as assistant city manager first gave them the opportunity to see her quality of work. “She’s getting things done,” said Ernest. “I think we’re making the right choice here.”

The council voted 3-0 to approve the employment agreement.  

In a related item, the council considered promoting Finance Director Kate Zawadzki to the position of assistant city manager. This is also a five-year agreement, with a recommended salary of $250,000 and annual cost-of-living increases. Zawadzki will also be maintaining the functions of finance director in addition to her increased responsibility as assistant city manager. 

Councilmember Bogue said he “couldn’t think of a better person” for filling this role. 

Ernest agreed, stating that Zawadzki is always looking ahead “and gives it to us straight.” 

Mayor Bird said, “It’s well deserved.” The council voted 3-0 to approve the employment agreement. 

The next meeting of the Dixon City Council took place July 21.