BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Property taxes in the unincorporated area of Greenacres in northwest Bakersfield could see an increase due to rising energy costs.
The proposed tax hike aims to ensure streetlights remain operational, with property taxes potentially increasing by as much as 5%.
Kern County considers property tax hike to keep streetlights on in Greenacres (KBAK)
Miguel Munoz, a planner with the Kern County Public Works Department, explained the necessity of the tax increase.
“PG&E costs have increased. They’ve actually increased 45% since 2019, and the cost for the homeowner has been $28 a year dating all the way back to the year 2000,” Munoz said.
If approved, the tax would rise by $19, totaling $47 per home annually.
Kern County considers property tax hike to keep streetlights on in Greenacres (KBAK)
Currently, Kern County does not provide services such as street lighting, street sweeping, landscape maintenance, and drainage facility maintenance in unincorporated areas like Greenacres. Ballots have been mailed to property owners in the area to vote on the proposal.
Munoz acknowledged concerns about the cost of living, stating, “There’s always a concern with raising taxes, but our rate has been the same since the year 2000. It’s been $28. The costs have been going up drastically. We just aren’t meeting the cost to pay PG&E.”
According to the county, if the proposal is denied, 75 of their 313 streetlights will have to be shut off.
Kern County considers property tax hike to keep streetlights on in Greenacres (KBAK)
An informational event regarding the proposal is scheduled for Dec. 17 at the County Public Services Building.
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The Board of Supervisors is set to vote on the proposal as early as Jan. 6, 2026.