The Hi-Desert Water District began mailing ballots Friday to all property owners in Yucca Valley for the sewer project’s assessment district vote. Property owners will have until May 13 to vote on whether or not to support the formation of assessment districts in the town for the sewer project. Approval of assessment districts will secure a 1 percent interest rate loan from the state to finance the cost of the $145 million sewer project, and a portion of that cost will be placed on property tax bills. Voting “NO” on the ballot is NOT a vote against the sewer project; rather it is a rejection of the terms of the loan. If the assessment district doesn’t pass, the water district will be forced to find an alternative loan at a higher cost, which will in turn make the sewer assessment more expensive for property owners. The ballots will include voting instructions and information about the property’s proposed assessment, along with a public hearing notice. For more information about the ballot, assessment district, or sewer project, call 760-365-8333 extension 3.