Opinion No. (1998)

DANIEL E. LUNGREN Attorney General ANTHONY M. SUMMERS Deputy Attorney General THE HONORABLE MIKE THOMPSON, MEMBER OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE, has requested an opinion on the following question: 1. Does the method by which the Vallejo Sanitation and Flood Control District calculates the monthly user fees charged for the operation and maintenance of its storm drainage system meet constitutional requirements? 2. Is the Vallejo Sanitation and Flood Control District required to obtain prior voter approval when revising the methodology by which it calculates its storm drainage system monthly user fees, resulting in an increased amount being charged certain persons? CONCLUSIONS 1. The method by which the Vallejo Sanitation and Flood Control District calculates the monthly user fees charged for the operation and maintenance of its storm drainage system does not meet constitutional requirements. 2. The Vallejo Sanitation and Flood Control District is required to obtain prior voter approval when revising the methodology by which it calculates its storm drainage system monthly user fees, resulting in an increased amount being charged certain persons. ANALYSIS The Vallejo Sanitation and…