Yes votes were ahead Tuesday night on Measure Z, the Kern County ballot measure that would raise local sales taxes to help fund a major expansion of the zoo at the California Living Museum. The measure, which needs more than 50% of the vote to pass, was the only item on the countywide ballot this election.
The early lean toward approval was reported by The Bakersfield Californian, which covered the vote count as results came in. Kern County had told the public that live election results would be posted after polls closed at 8 p.m. Pacific time Tuesday, according to Kern County, which also offered public livestreams of its ballot-holding areas.
What Measure Z Would Actually Change
If it passes, Measure Z would permit a sales tax increase throughout Kern County to help fund a 20-year master plan aimed at improving animal habitats, expanding the zoo's footprint, and growing its educational programs. The tax would be funded locally, and the plan is projected to cost $200 million, according to the seed reporting from the Bakersfield Californian. Supporters describe the goal as transforming the zoo at the California Living Museum, located a few miles northeast of metro Bakersfield, into a world-class attraction.
Sources differ on the exact size of the tax increase. KGET 17 reported the measure would add a .0125% sales tax, while turnto23 reported the increase at one-eighth of a percent throughout Kern County. One-eighth of a percent equals 0.125%, or about one penny for every $8 spent; the .0125% figure equals about one penny for every $80.
What the Money Would Build
According to KGET 17, Measure Z funds would go toward a new amphitheater, a welcome entrance, and expanded habitats for animals at the zoo. The station's report frames the measure as the main decision facing Kern County voters this cycle, since it was the sole countywide item on the ballot.
A separate account from turnto23 describes the funding as supporting CALM Zoo's longer-term master plan, which includes expanded animal habitats, new exhibits, and improvements to existing facilities. The Bakersfield Californian reported that the California Living Museum draws more than 100,000 visitors annually.
Decades of History, an Eye on Oversight
The zoo has been a fixture for local families for a long time. The article notes that for more than four decades, CALM Zoo has been a place for Kern County families to learn about wildlife. Voters were scheduled to decide the measure's fate in the general election, which the publication described as the Nov. 3 vote.
Backers of the measure have said an independent committee is expected to provide oversight of the funds, with the goal of helping ensure the money stays in Kern County and goes toward supporting CALM Zoo specifically. Proponents quoted in the Bakersfield Californian's coverage argue that Kern County families deserve the proposed top-notch facility the measure promises to help build.
