Kern County board declines proposed CSA 30 streetlight assessment increase after majority of ballots oppose it

Kern County supervisors on Jan. 6 received a report on a proposed assessment increase for County Service Area (CSA) 30 and voted to receive and file the report after a majority of returned ballots opposed the change.

Public Works staff said the proposal would raise the flat annual streetlight assessment from $20 to $47 per parcel, an increase of $19, to cover a nearly $16,000 shortfall driven largely by rising PG&E costs. "The proposed new rate is $47 per year per parcel, an increase of $19 annually," staff said during the presentation. Staff also explained the process was being conducted under the property/Prop 218-style ballot procedure and that staff mailed 1,758 ballots and conducted door-to-door outreach and a public information meeting that had no attendees.

At the hearing staff reported 402 ballots had been returned: 166 in favor and 236 opposed. Because a majority of returned ballots opposed the increase, staff recommended the board receive and file the report and that no increase be imposed. On a motion from the district 1 supervisor, seconded by another member, the board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation. The clerk announced the motion was approved "all ayes."

Public Works staff noted that without increased revenue the CSA could be forced to reduce service by turning off some street lights, and board members asked staff to inquire with PG&E and SoCal Edison about the potential for LED retrofits and other cost-saving measures. The board did not direct a follow-up action beyond receiving the report during the meeting.

The board's action preserves the current $20-per-parcel assessment for CSA 30 for the coming fiscal year. If staff or residents pursue changes in the future, the Prop-style ballot process described by staff would control whether an increase could take effect.