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Board confirms mailed‑ballot majority and approves CSA No. 4 streetlight assessment increase
Summary
After a public hearing and tabulation of mailed ballots, staff reported 30 in favor and 21 opposed of 51 returned ballots; the board confirmed the majority and moved forward with the $48 per‑parcel assessment for County Service Area No. 4.
The Kern County Board of Supervisors confirmed a mailed‑ballot majority at a public hearing to increase the annual assessment for County Service Area No. 4, which funds streetlight services in a northwest Bakersfield neighborhood.
Public Works staff explained the Proposition‑style mailed‑ballot process for the CSA of 204 parcels and said the district currently collects $30 per parcel per year. Adrian Nava and Public Works Director Joshua Champion (introduced earlier in the meeting) told the board that rising PG&E energy costs had eroded revenue and that a proposed increase to $48 per parcel — an $18 annual increase — would maintain current service levels for about 40 streetlights in the CSA.
Staff reported that 51 ballots were returned of 204 mailed: 30 in favor and 21 opposed. Because more than 50% of returned ballots were marked yes, staff recommended the board confirm the majority and enact the adjustment. The board moved, seconded, and the motion carried; staff said it would proceed with the ordinance reading and enactment steps described in the materials.
The assessment takes effect per the timetable in the implementing ordinance; the clerk noted no ballots were delivered at the hearing itself.
