Mills Act preservation contract for the Meredith House
Summary
The owners of the landmark Meredith House at 1421 Garden Street are asking for a Mills Act contract, which lowers their property taxes in exchange for a binding plan to maintain and restore the 1870s Swiss Revival house. The city loses a small slice of property tax revenue — about $45,000 total across all 65 Mills Act properties — but gains enforced upkeep of a historic home.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 26, 2026.
Impact analysis
Reduces the owners' property taxes; the city's share of lost revenue citywide is roughly $45,000 a year across all 65 Mills Act properties.
The Naragon family gets meaningful tax savings to help fund expensive repairs on one of the city's oldest houses.
Nobody spoke against it; the only real cost is reduced property tax revenue to local agencies.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Cultural Heritage Committee
Two property owners are asking for Mills Act contracts — a state program that cuts property taxes in exchange for a binding promise to maintain and restore historic features. It's the city's main tool for keeping landmark homes from falling apart, but it also means forgone tax revenue.
Cultural Heritage Committee
Mills Act contracts give owners of historic landmark homes property tax reductions in exchange for maintaining and restoring them. The committee recommended contracts for the Hansen House and McCabe House; the City Council decides finally. These deals keep two Old Town landmarks in good repair.
Cultural Heritage Committee
The owners of the landmark Meredith House at 1421 Garden Street are asking for a Mills Act contract, which lowers their property taxes in exchange for a binding plan to maintain and restore the 1870s Swiss Revival house. The city loses a small slice of property tax revenue — about $45,000 total across all 65 Mills Act properties — but gains enforced upkeep of a historic home.
Related development
Mills Act Contract — 207 Broad Street ('Gary Cully House and John Wilshusen Patio')
If the council approves, the owners would pay reduced property taxes while committing to preserve the historic house and patio.
Mills Act contract — Hansen House
Lower taxes for the owner, with a restoration to-do list checked by the city every five years.
Meredith House Mills Act Contract
Preserves a historic home and trims the owner's property tax bill.
571 Pismo Street Landmark Designation
Adds formal historic protections to the property.
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