Kern County's Property Valued At $84B For Coming Fiscal Year

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Kern County Assessor-Recorder, Jim Fitch, announced today that his Office has determined the taxable value of Kern County property for the fiscal year beginning July 1,2011 at $84 billion dollars.

This total, for fiscal year 2011-2012, represents an increase of approximately $2 billion dollars or an approximate 2.5% increase in property values. Typically, property tax revenues are one of the largest sources of revenue for counties, cities, special districts and the schools so this increase is especially good news here in Kern County, our cities, and special districts that are dependent upon property taxes.

While many economic indicators are still depressed, and other tax revenue sources have decreased, property tax assessments have increased here in Kern County for the last two years. The County's share of property tax dollars will be close to $336 million dollars, an increase ofapproximately $8 million dollars for all necessary County services.

Again, oil and gas assessments are up significantly. These properties increased in value by approximately 1.6 billion dollars. This increase was primarily due to investments in new construction.

Most of our oil and gas properties are at the Proposition 13 Base Value, and taxes are paid on this base value, even though the market value of these properties is a great deal higher. Kern County remains the largest oil producing county in the State, with an estimated 70% ofall ofthe State's reserves.

Agricultural properties will see an increase in their Williamson Act restricted values. These properties have not been reviewed the last few years, due to the volume ofwork required to ensure the residential properties values are correct. These properties are valued based on the income capability of the property. Due to recent large increases in rents and commodity prices, the Assessor is required to make these adjustments. Overall, the Williamson Act property is still a good bargain for our farmers. The average farmer's restricted value is 40% less than their base value, and well below the market value oftheir properties.

Wind energy properties saw an increase in their assessments, based on new investments in wind parks. These properties went up in value by close to 600 million dollars in assessed value. Next year, we could realize close to 3 billion dollars of additional investment, and over a short period the total assessment could approach 7.

Arrest of Keyon Womack

Bakersfield, CA – U.S. Marshal Albert Najera, of the Eastern District of California, announced today that the U.S. Marshals Service Central Valley Joint Fugitive Task Force (CVJFTF) arrested Keyon Womack. This fugitive was wanted by the Bakersfield Police Department for Attempted Homicide and Gang Participation; bail amount was set at $1,500,000. Womack was also a California Youth Authority (CYA) Parolee at Large.

On May 30, 2011, a shooting occurred in the city of Bakersfield, CA involving rival gang members. It is alleged that Keyon Womack was the shooter in this case. Womack reportedly shot several rounds into a moving vehicle which was traveling southbound on Highway 99 toward California Avenue. The driver sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen. There were two other occupants in the vehicle, but neither one of them sustained any injuries.

On June 21, 2011, California State Parole Agents assigned to the CVJFTF established surveillance at Keyon Womack’s sister’s apartment near Ashe Road in Bakersfield. The agents observed that the front door was opened and decided to contact Ms. Parks. She did not initially consent to a protective sweep of the apartment, and was uncooperative when asked questions about fugitive’s location. A short time later, a younger sibling entered the residence and began shouting obscenities at the parole agents. This subject was also on active CYA parole, and was detained for officer safety reasons. The agents contacted Bakersfield Police for assistance; by this time a large crowd was congregating outside Ms. Parks Apartment.

After continued discussion, Ms. Parks ultimately allowed authorities to search the residence. The officers on the scene established a parameter and gave numerous commands for anyone inside the apartment to surrender to police. After receiving no response from inside the apartment a decision was made to enter the residence and conduct a room by room search. The parole agents eventually located Womack hiding underneath a blanket in one of the bedroom closets. The subject was taken into custody to face all outstanding charges.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals can be found at  http://www.usmarshals.gov .

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