The Kern County Local Agency Formation Commission on March 19 accepted a preliminary 2025–26 budget and directed staff to return with cost estimates for adding a full-time analyst, for on-site meeting security and for a revised fee schedule.

The commission approved the preliminary budget after staff presented two columns: one reflecting current staffing (three full-time equivalent positions plus part-time support) and a second estimating costs if the commission adds a fifth, full-time analyst who would work on municipal service reviews (MSRs). Executive Officer Blair Knox told the commission the budget shows a 5.4% increase from the 2024–25 approved budget and noted the agency’s reserve account currently holds about $168,730.

Knox recommended the commission accept the preliminary budget “with input for final budget to be brought back at the next commission meeting,” and to direct staff whether to pursue hiring an additional analyst. He said adding a fifth employee would increase costs by roughly 18.8% compared with last year’s budget and would require standard start-up purchases (desk, computer, software licenses) and periodic travel to agencies for MSR work.

Why it matters: the budget decision frames how Kern LAFCO will meet state requirements for periodic service reviews and spheres of influence, and whether the office will expand in-house capacity rather than contracting out the work. The added analyst was proposed specifically to manage the heavier workload tied to MSRs if the commission moves forward to complete multiple reviews per year.

In discussion, commissioners asked staff to include several items in the final draft: (1) costed options for a one-day workshop and for a more extensive facilitator-led strategic plan process; (2) an estimate for a security detail during evening meetings at the current venue; and (3) the cost of acquiring upgraded GIS software licenses and training already planned for staff. Commissioner questions also prompted staff to confirm that advanced GIS licensing and a three-day training for staff had been included in the draft budget.

On a related finance item, the commission approved closing a non-interest-bearing Wells Fargo reserve checking account and moving the funds into a county account that can be invested in short-term instruments. Knox said the county currently manages certain cash in short-term vehicles and that moving the reserves could produce modest additional interest for the commission. He reported the commission’s reserve balance in the county account as approximately $168,730.

The commission directed staff to fold the requested cost estimates and the commission’s input into the preliminary budget and bring a final version back for adoption at the next meeting.

Ending: The commission approved the preliminary budget and instructed staff to return with priced options so the body can adopt a final budget at a later meeting.