BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Kern County Board of Supervisors is slated to discuss the pros and cons, as well as the processes, of Kern becoming a charter county, according to the board agenda for Tuesday.

An informational presentation about the processes will be shown during the Tuesday board meeting, according to the agenda.

Kern County is one of 43 general law counties in California, which means the county’s governmental structure is determined by the state constitution and general law, according to the county website.

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Charter counties have a voter-approved charter and the autonomy to create and enforce local ordinances as long as they don’t go against the state’s general laws.

There are 15 charter counties in California, including Los Angeles, Orange, Fresno, Sacramento, San Diego, San Bernardino counties and more.

During the board meeting Oct. 7, District 2 Supervisor Chris Parlier asked staff to bring a presentation about the pros and cons of being a charter county.

Parlier said “concerned citizens” brought up potentially changing Kern County into a charter county.

“Bakersfield is a charter city, I believe it’s the only one in the county,” Parlier said. “I think it afforded Bakersfield some flexibility — not only in pushing back on the state in some areas but again as a municipality.”

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The agenda said the board is recommended to hear the presentation and provide direction.

It is unknown what details the presentation will discuss or what kind of direction the board is expected to suggest as the agenda did not provide further information. A Kern County spokesperson told 17 News no additional information can be shared.

The presentation is scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 4 at the Kern County Administrative Center’s Board Chambers at 1115 Truxtun Ave.

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