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Board approves assessment increase for CSA 66 after returned ballots favor raise
Summary
After 21 of 129 mailed Prop 218 ballots were returned (12 in favor, 9 opposed), the Kern County Board of Supervisors voted to enact an assessment increase for County Service Area 66 to maintain 24 streetlights and avoid shutting off about seven lights; the assessment will rise to an estimated $59 per parcel annually.
The Kern County Board of Supervisors approved a Prop 218 assessment increase for County Service Area (CSA) 66 on May 12 after staff reported a majority of returned ballots favored the proposal.
Public Works Director Joshua Champion explained CSA 66 covers 129 parcels in an unincorporated area south of Highway 58 (District 5) that currently receives street-light service funded through annual property-tax assessments. "If the proposed increase is not approved, approximately seven street lights will need to be shut off," Champion said, explaining that escalating PG&E charges have outpaced the current assessment, which ranges from $27–$33 per parcel. Staff's engineer estimated the new assessment at $59 per parcel annually.
Public Works reported 21 ballots were returned: 12 in favor and nine opposed. After an initial question about quorum and a brief tabling while counsel confirmed the applicable voting threshold, the board reconvened and voted to enact the proposed assessment increase and proceed with the ordinance imposing the new rate.
The board recorded the action as approval; staff indicated the assessment follows the Prop 218 ballot outcome and will be applied via the annual property-tax assessment process.
