BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield City Council received a list of potential projects under the Public Safety and Vital Services Budget for 2026-2027 Wednesday.

The city is in the process of completing the 2026-2027 budget which involves analyzing proposed capital improvement projects from each city department, according to the City Council meeting agenda.

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City staff presented the requests for the PSVS budget, including a list of the projects recommended to move forward.

The recommended PSVS budget for the next fiscal year is $117,680,000, which reflects a 2% increase from the previous year, according to City Manager Christian Clegg.

Personnel costs for 295 employees — with 172 in the police and fire departments — are $62,258,000 and take up about 54% of the budget. It shows a 6% increase from the previous year due to rising pension, health insurance and worker’s compensation costs, according to officials.

However, the increase is also offset by vacant position eliminations which were made possible by the city’s hiring freeze and operating budget reduction process, Clegg said.

Fleet expenses are also rising due to vehicle and maintenance prices going up, officials said.

According to city officials, about $7.5 million is set aside for proposed capital projects.

The city is recommending several PSVS fund capital outlay projects for the City Council to consider in the future:

Bakersfield Police Department radio site generator and fuel tank replacement ($738,900): Replacement of the generator which powers the public safety radio site and the east wing of the building

Park amenities and renovation improvements ($500,000): Renovation, repairs and ongoing enhancements to existing park amenities including security gates, drinking fountains, picnic tables, park benches, shade structures and more due to increase in public use and vandalism

MLK Jr. Park grant match ($3 million): A local match committed to receive federal funds that would fund a revitalization project fully redesigning and reconstructing the park amenities at 1000 S. Owens Blvd.

Firefighting turnout replacement ($250,000): Replacement of a significant number of existing turnouts including non-compliant gear to comply with the National Fire Protection Association per CAL/OSHA

Fire Stations 5, 6 and 13 HVAC replacement ($141,000): Replacement of HVAC systems at three fire stations struggling with frequent breakdowns, reduced efficacy and increased maintenance costs, expected to cost $47,000 per station

City officials also presented a list of additional project options for consideration:

Streetlight improvements ($1 million)

Beach Park bridge/multi-use path ($2 million)

Citywide traffic calming improvements ($500,000)

Centennial Park enhancements ($700,000)

Westwold Playground rehabilitation ($490,000)

Park security cameras ($250,000)

Park access improvements ($375,000)

Siemon Park Tennis Court renovations ($580,000)

Affordable housing ($500,000)

Bakersfield City Council discusses proposed reductions, job cuts for 2026-2027 budget

Clegg said the PSVS Oversight Committee is responsible for determining whether or not a proposed project is eligible to be funded by PSVS using the 13 Measure N spending priorities and City Council Goals.

The city has a few more PSVS Oversight Committee meetings and budget Town Hall meetings throughout the month, as well as budget workshops for the City Council scheduled in May.

The City Council is slated to adopt a budget in June.

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