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The posted rates rise across sampled job classifications
Kern County’s proposed amendment with 4 Creeks would extend Agreement 270-2024 through June 4, 2029 and adopt a fee schedule effective January 1, 2027. Comparing the schedule with the preceding rates shows double-digit increases across the classifications reviewed.
Engineer I and CAD Designer rates rise from $115 to $140 an hour, a 21.74% increase. Engineer IV rises from $170 to $205, or 20.59%; Associate Project Manager rises from $210 to $250, or 19.05%; Senior Surveyor rises from $200 to $235, or 17.50%.
| Classification | Prior | 2027 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer I | $115 | $140 | 21.74% |
| Engineer IV | $170 | $205 | 20.59% |
| Associate Project Manager | $210 | $250 | 19.05% |
| CAD Designer | $115 | $140 | 21.74% |
| Administrative Support | $75 | $90 | 20.00% |
| Senior Surveyor | $200 | $235 | 17.50% |
‘No fiscal impact’ describes the amendment date, not future invoices
The board letter lists no fiscal impact because 4 Creeks is paid only when a county department requests services. That accounting statement can be accurate at approval while the new rates still govern future task orders and invoices.
For scale, 1,000 Engineer I hours would cost $140,000 under the new schedule instead of $115,000 under the prior rate—a $25,000 difference before other staff, equipment or reimbursable expenses. That illustration is not a forecast of hours the county will order.
The schedule includes more than labor
The packet also lists a $75 daily vehicle rate and charges for field equipment, materials and outside services. Those items can materially affect project cost, but the board summary does not publish a ceiling for future task orders or a historical spending table under the agreement.
A transparent extension would pair the rate sheet with prior utilization: hours by classification, total paid, projects served and any not-to-exceed limits. Without that denominator, the public can measure price changes but not the likely budget effect.
Method, contribution and limits
What’s the Scoop With Broach compared the old and new fee schedules contained in the 11-page amendment packet and calculated percentage increases from the prior rates. The original contribution is separating a zero-dollar approval statement from the future prices authorized by the same document.
The analysis does not allege that the rates exceed the market or that the county will use every classification. Actual cost depends on authorized work, staffing mix and hours; the board could also negotiate or reject later tasks.
Sources and further reading
Kern County–4 Creeks engineering amendment and fee schedules ↗
Kern County Board of Supervisors agenda, November 10, 2026 ↗