Carpinteria City Manager Michael opened the presentation saying the city is proposing to modernize the Winter Berm Assessment District to align charges with current costs and reduce general-fund subsidies. The district, created roughly 33 years ago, funds construction, maintenance and emergency repair of the winter berm that protects oceanfront properties from high tides and winter storms.

The city said the district has not been updated since about 1992 and staff estimate program costs have risen roughly 275% since then. City staff reported current collections from district parcels of about $20,000 while the district’s total annual program cost is approximately $98,720, leaving an annual shortfall shown in the presentation of about $73,500 that is being covered from the general fund.

Under an engineer's report, the city calculates an equivalent benefit unit (EBU) to apportion costs; the presentation listed one EBU at $193.80 (about $16 per month). The proposal would set a new assessment structure tied to program costs and permit CPI adjustments to maintain sustainability. Staff presented a specific per‑parcel example that raised the monthly EBU charge to approximately $23.71 under the 2025 proposal.

Michael said the change aims to make cost sharing equitable, keep berm maintenance timely, and reduce the likelihood of larger future capital costs if storm damage increases. He emphasized the engineer's report and all underlying calculations are available on the city website and that, under Proposition 218 rules, ballots go to property owners and the city cannot advocate for a particular vote.

The presentation closed with staff inviting property owners to review the engineer's report, ask questions via assessmentdistricts@carpinteriaCA.gov, and vote when the ballots are distributed.