The Department of Aging and Adult Services provides a variety of services to adults and the elderly including: senior information and referral, adult protective services, senior nutrition programs, conservatorship for the mentally ill, and in home supportive services (IHSS).

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The Department of Agriculture provides apiary inspection (pest detection/eradication, produce quality control), environmental and public protection, and agricultural research services.

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The Department of Airports operates seven airports, located in Bakersfield (Meadows Field), Buttonwillow, Kern Valley, Lost Hills, Poso, Taft, and Wasco. The Department promotes safe and efficient commercial and general aviation.

The Animal Control Division provides animal control services in the County unincorporated area and operates animal shelter facilities in Bakersfield and Mojave, and contracted shelters in Ridgecrest and Lake Isabella. Animal control officers enforce State laws and County ordinances pertaining to animal licensing, vaccination, and quarantine. The division responds to complaints about at-large animals and inhumane treatment of animals, and investigates animal bite incidents.

The Assessor must locate all taxable property in the county, identify the owners, and describe the property. The Assessor must also determine a value for all taxable property and apply all legal exemptions and exclusions. The Assessor must complete an assessment roll showing the assessed values for all property and maintain records of the above. The Assessor does not set tax amounts or collect taxes.

The office of the Auditor-Controller-County Clerk is responsible for performing all general accounting functions for the County and special districts governed by the Board of Supervisors as well as other general and specific functions required by statutes, regulations, and ordinances. The Auditor-Controller-County Clerk is also the Registrar of Voters.

The Board of Supervisors is composed of five members elected from the five separate districts of the County, on a non-partisan basis, to serve four-year staggered terms. It is the Board's responsibility to enact ordinances, resolutions and orders necessary for governing the affairs of the County. Meetings of the Board of Supervisors are held in the Board Chambers on the First Floor of the Kern County Administrative Center, 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California, every Tuesday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Board of Trade promotes the County nationally by exhibiting County products, developing promotional materials, and encouraging tourism via fairs, conventions, and the Internet. As the Film Commission, the department advertises, publicizes, and promotes film making resources and locations in the County.

The Building Inspection Division enforces building regulations, parcel map and zoning requirements for land use by issuing building permits and inspecting all new construction in the County's unincorporated area.

The California Children Services (CCS) Program provides specialized medical care to children with disabling conditions. The program, available to income-qualifying families, is designed to ensure children realize their maximum physical and social potential. The Public Health Services Department administers this budget unit.

Career Services Center provides services to both employers and job seekers. Examples of services include applicant recruitment/screening, testing and interviewing facilities, job placement assistance, and training/education.

The Child Support Services Department initiates court actions necessary to establish responsibility for the financial support of minors. The department establishes legal paternity, enforces support orders, and collects child support payments from absent parents under the Social Security Act. The department also collects reimbursements of County funds used to support juveniles in out-of-home placements.

The Clerk of the Board prepares agendas for the Board of Supervisors meetings, and attends all Board meetings to record and process official actions. The Clerk of the Board preserves and maintains records and indexes dating back to 1866, and provides a variety of administrative services to the Board of Supervisors. Additional responsibilities include maintaining records and recording actions of the Assessment Appeals Board and Special Districts under the control of the Board of Supervisors, maintaining official records of more than 64 advisory boards, commissions, and committees, administering oaths of office, and maintaining Conflict of Interest codes as filing official for more than 1200 Statements of Economic Interests for 200 public agencies.

The Code Compliance Division of Engineering and Survey Services works to correct violations that threaten public health and safety related to public nuisances (weeds, building and housing, solid waste, illegal dumping, and abandoned, wrecked, inoperative or dismantled vehicles).

The Community and Economic Development Department is dedicated to serving the diverse needs of Kern County residents, primarily those with lower incomes, through projects and programs that revitalize neighborhoods by providing safer living environments, decent and affordable housing, public facilities and improvements, and expanded employment opportunities.

Construction Services is responsible for providing cost estimating, design, inspection and administrative support services for capital and major maintenance projects for the County. Privately funded projects proposed for construction in the County are not directed by Construction Services.

The County Administrative Office (CAO) advises the Board of Supervisors how to make the best use of County resources in serving the public. The CAO develops the recommended County budget and oversees County finances; manages employee relations and health benefits; advises the Board of Supervisors on State and federal legislation and policy issues; and provides oversight to County departments in carrying out policies approved by the Board of Supervisors.

Services provided by the County Clerk include marriage licenses and performing wedding ceremonies, issuing fictitious business name statements, registering notary publics, posting California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents, maintaining official appointments, and registering/licensing certain specialized legal occupations.

The County Counsel is the general counsel and risk manager for the County of Kern. Pursuant to California law, the office of the County Counsel is responsible for providing legal services to the County, its officers, employees, boards, commissions, and other agencies. It is also responsible for the County's safety program, insurance coverage, general liability, and workers compensation claims.

The District Attorney is a member of the executive branch of California government, provided for by Article XI, Section 1, of the California Constitution. The duties and functions of the District Attorney are set forth in Government Code section 16500 and following sections. The District Attorney is responsible for the prosecution of all criminal acts that occur in Kern County in violation of state laws and county ordinances.

The Auditor-Controller-County Clerk Elections Division conducts general and special elections for all levels of government. The Auditor-Controller-County Clerk is the Registrar of Voters and maintains election-related documents such as the voter index, affidavits of registration, and precinct records. State and federal elections laws mandate the services performed by this division.

The Emergency Medical Services Department (EMS) is the lead agency for the emergency medical services system in the County. The Department is responsible for enforcement of State laws, County ordinances, and local policies for all responses to medical emergencies made by ambulance companies, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, dispatch centers, and hospitals. The department also ensures paramedics, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers, and nurses meet the minimum standards for EMS certification and re-certification.

The mission of the Office of Emergency Services is to implement emergency management principles and develop plans and procedures necessary to maintain a competent level of preparedness in reacting to disasters and major emergencies. Its overall goal is to minimize the effects of disasters and major emergencies on the citizens of the County. OES has an assertive program aimed at increasing the County's level of disaster preparedness.

Employers’ Training Resource administers federal and State grant funds awarded to the County and its workforce investment area, which also includes Inyo and Mono counties. The department provides employment and training programs to unemployed and economically disadvantaged people.

The Engineering and Survey Services Department facilitates land development for the County. The Department is comprised of the following sections: Building Inspection, Code Compliance, County Surveyor, Public Information Counter, Drainage, Engineering, County Service Area Administration, and Geographic Information System.

The Environmental Health Services Department inspects and issues permits for water and water-oriented recreation, hazardous materials and waste, liquid and solid waste facilities, and food establishments. Underground storage tanks and noise and vector control are also within this department’s purview. The department’s functions are governed by State statute and County ordinances.

The Farm and Home Advisor Department, Cooperative Extension, is an off-campus educational arm of the University of California. It began as a cooperative arrangement between the land-grant institutions and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The department's programs are designed to adapt and deliver the results of research and new knowledge to people in Kern County and to bring local problems and needs back to the academic centers for exploration and research. Advisors conduct educational programs, including seminars, and design and implement research projects within their respective areas of expertise. The department also provides and administers the 4-H Youth Development program, the Adult and Youth Expanded Family Nutrition Education program, and the Master Gardner horticultural program.

The Film Commission advertises, publicizes, and promotes film making resources and locations in the County. The Commission’s permit center assists the public in obtaining permits from necessary agencies in order to make the permitting process simple and streamlined.

The Fire Department provides fire prevention, protection, and suppression services for structures and watershed areas, hazardous materials control and incident response, emergency rescue and medical aid, and conducts arson investigations. These services are provided countywide, except in the cities of Bakersfield, Taft, and California City, which operate their own fire departments.

The General Services Division of the County Administrative Office provides services to County departments such as building design and construction, building maintenance/general custodial, purchasing, real estate, Kern Government Television (KGOV), franchise administration, telecommunication resources and facilities, mail services, and reprographics.

The Geographic Information System (GIS) unit of Engineering and Survey Services is designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, and display all forms of geographically referenced information.

Graffiti removal is under the authority of Facilities Management within the County’s General Services Division. The program’s goals are to provide graffiti removal for property owners within the unincorporated areas of the County within 48 hours of graffiti being reported, provide education and awareness of the problem, promote corporate/community partnerships, and assist residents with graffiti removal advice for self removal.

The Kern County Grand Jury is a body of 19 citizens who are independent of any political or special interest group. No law degree or specific credential is necessary to be a Grand Jury member, though an avid interest in preserving honest and proper conduct of all governmental agencies within the County is essential. Grand Jurors should also possess the desire to ensure that all monies, within these areas of government, are being handled prudently and in the best interest of County residents.

The Housing Authority of the County of Kern (HACK) strives to create safe neighborhoods in the communities of Kern County. By partnering with individuals and organizations, HACK is able to provide housing, education, and employment opportunities for families of modest means and assist residents in becoming self-sufficient to improve their quality of life.

The Human Services Department administers State and federally mandated public assistance programs. Services and programs to assist needy individuals and families include welfare-to-work, County-funded general assistance, food stamps, child protective services, adoptions, Jamison Children’s Center, information and referral services, and foster family home licensing. The department also administers the CalWORKs program, which requires that certain able-bodied applicants and aid recipients participate in work related activities as a condition of eligibility.

The Information Technology Services (ITS) division of the County Administrative Office provides a variety of professional information technology and telecommunications services to all County departments. The division's mission is to provide cost-effective, efficient and coordinated data processing and telecommunications services for all County departments, with a major emphasis on those departments that have direct interaction with the public.

Kern Council of Governments, better known as Kern COG, is an association of city and county governments created to address regional transportation issues. Its member agencies include the County of Kern and the 11 incorporated cities within the County.

Kern Government Television (KGOV) is owned and operated by the County under the direction of the Board of Supervisors. KGOV broadcasts 24 hours a day and is, geographically, one of the largest government access channels in the nation, reaching nearly all of Kern County’s 8,000 square miles with its live signal. KGOV provides live broadcasts of Board of Supervisors and other local government meetings, along with information about County services.

Kern Medical Center (KMC) is a 222-bed acute care hospital offering comprehensive emergency, outpatient, inpatient, and ancillary medical services. KMC also operates seven graduate medical education programs affiliated with the University of California Schools of Medicine at Irvine, Los Angeles, and San Diego. KMC provides services to patients with private insurance or other private payment means, patients with Medi-Cal and Medicare coverage, underinsured and uninsured patients, and inmates of County institutions and juvenile facilities.

The Library Department operates 25 branch libraries and two bookmobiles to provide book-lending, reference, audiovisual, computer, literacy, and interlibrary loan services. These services are available in a variety of formats, at varying reading levels, and in multiple languages to meet the public’s needs.

The Mental Health Services Department provides client centered services for mentally ill people of all ages. These services include: alcohol and drug abuse, prevention and treatment; crisis stabilization; and, self-help and support groups. The department also collaborates with the Probation Department to provide intervention and prevention services for at-risk youth, and with the Human Services Department to eliminate barriers to employment for CalWORKs clients. The functions of the department are governed by State statute.

The Kern County Parks and Recreation Department manages 40 neighborhood parks and 25 public buildings, supervises three golf courses and landscapes 76 county buildings.

The Personnel Department administers the Civil Service System and the County’s personnel program. The department recruits employees, develops and validates employment tests, conducts job analysis and classification studies, maintains personnel records and files, and administers the salary ordinance.

The Planning Department performs state-mandated land use and community planning functions, which include preparing and maintaining the County's General Plan elements, specific plans, and community plans, and preparing, processing, and reviewing environmental documents. The department also administers the subdivision and parcel map ordinances and the Agricultural Preserve Program (Williamson Act), and provides staff support to the Planning Commission.

The Probation Department assists and advises the Superior Court in investigating, supervising, and rehabilitating adult and juvenile offenders, as mandated by State law. The department also operates the County’s three juvenile institutions: James G. Bowles Juvenile Hall, Larry J. Rhoades Kern Crossroads Facility, and Camp Erwin Owen.

The Property Management Division provides a variety of real estate services to County departments. The Division works to develop innovative, professional processes to meet the County’s real estate needs.

The Public Defender provides legal representation for indigent people accused of criminal offenses when appointed by the Superior Court, which occurs for most criminal cases prosecuted in the County. The department also provides legal representation for minors in juvenile court proceedings and defendants in conservator/guardian hearings. The U.S. Constitution and State statute mandate that the County provide indigent defense counsel.

The Public Health Services Department enforces Health and Safety Code provisions and County ordinances. Programs operated by the department include vital statistics, health education, communicable disease control, nutrition, family planning advice, medical and nursing services to promote maternal and child health, and the California Children Services program.

The Public Information Officer, under the authority of the County Administrative Officer, develops and coordinates public information and informs the public of activities and services of County departments by disseminating information through the news media.

The Purchasing Division assists all County departments, agencies and special districts in obtaining material, supplies, furnishings, equipment, and services at the best possible price. This is accomplished through fair and open competition and by providing qualified companies the opportunity to compete for our business.

The Recorder’s office is responsible for providing constructive notice of private acts and creating and maintaining custody of permanent records for all documents filed and recorded in the County. In addition to providing public access to information on land and land ownership, the Recorder’s office is also the local registrar of marriages and maintains copies of certificates of marriage, births, and deaths that occur in the County. The official records are open for public inspection (vital records may be viewed on a specific, as requested basis) and copies may be purchased from any Recorder’s office location.

The Resource Management Agency provides management expertise and oversight, policy analysis and direction, and computer and payroll/personnel support to its component departments. The Agency coordinates and integrates the following functions: Animal Control, Building Inspection, Code Compliance, Community and Economic Development, Engineering and Survey Services, Environmental Health Services, Planning, Public Transit, and Roads.

The Roads Department designs, constructs, and maintains public roads, bridges, streets, and traffic control devices in the County unincorporated area, except for State-maintained highways and bridges. The Streets and Highways Code specifies the procedures for preparing plans and specifications, bidding, contracts, and allocating road revenues, and governs the department’s functions.

The Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement to the unincorporated portions of the County. The Department also provides law enforcement services to four incorporated cities in the County through contract services; Tehachapi, Wasco, McFarland and Maricopa. In addition to these services, the Sheriff has responsibility for the jail system, providing bailiff and prisoner transportation services to the courts, search and rescue, coroner services, and civil process (serving lawsuit papers).

The Tourism Bureau promotes the County nationally by exhibiting County products, developing promotional materials, and encouraging tourism via fairs, conventions, and the Internet.

The elective office of the Treasurer-Tax Collector receives, safeguards, invests, and disburses funds for the County, school districts, special districts, special trust funds, and the County deferred compensation plan. The department also collects real and personal property taxes and other local taxes for all local government agencies and conducts tax-defaulted land sales.

The Veterans Service Department helps veterans and their dependents or survivors file claims for federal and State entitlements, including benefits for education, health, and welfare. The department also coordinates transportation services to Veterans Administration hospitals and requests for Honor Guard services for deceased veterans.

The Waste Management Department provides environmentally safe management of liquid and solid waste. The department is responsible for operating seven landfills, five transfer stations, and four transfer bin sites. We also operate two special waste facilities and provide information to the residents of the County on recycling and ways to reduce waste. The department also oversees the operation of several wastewater treatment facilities.

The Weights and Measures Division enforces laws and regulations related to commercial transactions involving weight, measure or count. Functions include inspecting store scanners, gasoline pumps, taxi meters, water dispensers, and other weight/measuring devices for accuracy. The Division also inspects packaged goods and bulk commodities to ensure they conform to the federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, and inspects petroleum products for proper labeling and quality conformance.