We get this question over and over again from people moving to San Diego County from other states. Usually it comes up when we talk about homeowners associations and property taxes. It’s usually in the context of “and there is a Mello-Roos assessment in the amount of $3800 per year” (the amount varies community to commuity).  This statement is generally followed by a blank stare.

No this isn’t some kind of Southern California “laid back” 60′s throwback coolness phrase…What we’re actually referring to is a “Mello-Roos District”, aptly named after its co-authors the late Senator Henry Mello and Los Angeles Assemblyman Mike Roos. Mello-Roos is the common name for the Community Facilities District Act, enacted by the California Legislature in 1982.

A Mello-Roos district is often an area, many times a new area, within a Community Facilities District that has chosen to finance things like streets, parks, schools, police protection and certain public improvements and public services through bond assessments.

So this is really a tax? The answer is a resounding yes. So then there are lots of other questions; Are the assessments governed by Prop 13? How long does the tax stay in effect? What exactly are these taxes paying for? The answers to these questions along with many others can easily be found and provided to you. In fact, we give them to all our clients free just to make sure they really understand if they’re considering buying in an area that may have Mello-Roos.

While nobody likes paying taxes, and especially a tax that is addition to our regular property taxes, what the assessment pays for are all things that typically enhance and make these communities better places to live.

Most of the time, Mello-Roos taxes pay for facilities and services relating to new growth and other ongoing community needs such as police protection, fire protection and ambulance and paramedic services as well as recreation program services, library services, operating parks and parkways, open spaces, museums and other cultural facilities, flood and storm protection and much more.

There are many new areas of San Diego county that have Mello-Roos assessments. Many times we hear from buyers who say they “absolutely” would not consider an area that has them. What we want you to know is that many times the assessment is not a large some of money, and that the good they do really does improve the quality of life in the neighborhood. Senator Henry Mello

If you’re still confused about what a “Mello-Roos” is, we recommend that you go to the beach in Del Mar with one of our free booklets that explains everything you ever wanted to know about Mello-Roos districts. We guarantee you will leave the beach in a beautiful, laid back state of mind ready to go out and find your perfect dreamhome!