Bear Valley CSD Board of Directors Authorizes Contract With Private Company for Gate Operations

In a 3-2 vote at its November 13 meeting, the Bear Valley Community Services District (CSD) Board of Directors authorized the General Manager to execute a contract with American Global Security (AGS) for gate security services.

The move comes as the Community Services District continues to explore options to reduce overall spending. By contracting with AGS, the CSD will save an estimated $160,000 a year. Currently, the CSD spends approximately $426,000 annually to staff gate operations. Under the AGS proposal, they would operate the gate at a cost not to exceed $266,725.

AGS is a California-based security services provider specializing in community access control and gate management for public agencies, including special districts. AGS has been operating for over two decades and has a regional office based in Kern County.

Under the agreement, AGS will staff the gate 24/7, which the CSD has struggled with at times due to staffing limitations. AGS will also assume direct management of gate personnel.

AGS will integrate with our existing software, so there will be minimal changes for residents. The CSD will reassign one administrative worker to assist with issuing gate passes for guests, so residents will still be able to call instead of using the mobile app if needed.

Final execution of the contract is pending the meet and confer process between the CSD and the union representing the CSD’s gate employees.