Supervisors split on sending Prop 218 notices for CSA 71 sewer-rate hikes; board sets hearings amid fiscal concerns

Kern County supervisors on March 24 debated and voted on a set of linked actions to set Proposition 218 protest hearings and mail notices for proposed sewer-rate increases affecting County Service Area (CSA) 71 and its subzones.

Public Works Director Joshua Champlin told the board the county maintains agreements with the City of Bakersfield and the North of the River Sanitary District (NORSD) to treat sewage for unincorporated CSA 71 customers; as those agencies raise rates, the county’s costs for treating those customers rise as well. Champlin said the county must mail Proposition 218 notices now if it wants a ballot assessment to appear on the 2026–27 tax roll, otherwise action would be delayed until fiscal 2027–28 and the county could face a deficit in the interim.

“Within this area, it’s mainly district one, but we also have some district three and district four customers,” Champlin said and showed staff estimates that, if the county does not act, the CSA would face notable net losses in the first year (staff estimates ranged by subarea and collectively were material).

Supervisor Jeff Peters expressed concern about imposing added costs on struggling residents and urged further review before placing a notice on the property tax bill: “I can’t support moving forward with something that’s going to put that same tax burden on county ratepayers either,” he said. By contrast, Supervisor Flores argued the county should set the Prop 218 process in motion to protect non‑CSA taxpayers from being left on the hook if the city’s increase is approved: “If the city moves forward… our taxpayers are still going to get the bill. In fairness to Kern County taxpayers that are not in this area, they should not have to pay the bill of those that are in the district,” Flores said.

After debate, the board voted on the five related items (to set public hearings, mail notices and direct staff to prepare ordinances and summaries). Several motions carried by majority votes with two supervisors — Peters and Perez — recorded as opposing on some items tied to the City of Bakersfield rate schedule; the NORSD‑linked item was approved with a majority and one item was approved unanimously after a clarification. Staff emphasized that failing to act today would delay any assessment until July 1, 2027 and could leave the county liable for an estimated shortfall in the low six figures for the first year.

The board directed staff to mail Proposition 218 notices and set the public hearings (the timeline shown by staff proposed a May 19, 2026 protest hearing date); the clerk and County Counsel were directed to prepare required notices and summaries.

Votes at a glance: Board approved motions to set hearings and mail Prop 218 notices for most CSA 71 subareas recommended by staff; several votes were split with Supervisors Peters and Perez dissenting on items tied to the City of Bakersfield schedule. Where a split vote occurred the clerk recorded the outcome and dissenting supervisors by name.