Mello-roos is not a term most homeowners are familiar with. Perhaps because your home was built prior to 1982 and is in an already established community.
Mello-roos is a special assessment created in California to finance infrastructure and services. It permits local county and city government or school districts to sell bonds in order to finance such improvements to police and fire services, schools, parks and other facilities in the community. In 1982 Mello-roos became a state law and is viewed as a way to bypass proposition 13, a law that was enacted in 1978
There are many areas in San Diego that have mello-roos. The one most familiar to all is Eastlake in Chula Vista. The infrastructure, schools and parks in the community were possible with the mello-roos special assessment tax. This additional assessment can be found on your tax bill and may be referenced as Community Facilities District (CFD). Mello-roos assessments vary dramatically and remain on the property anywhere from 20 to 40 years.
There are pros and cons to mello-roos tax. Before purchasing a home ask your realtor if the property has a mello-roos tax.
If you would like more information on mello-roos tax please feel free to call more at 619-726-1925.
Grace Caddell
