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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 The Bakersfield City Council received a list of potential projects under the Public Safety and Vital Services Budget for 2026-2027 Wednesday.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Watch \u2018After Sunrise\u2019 on KGET+; Click to learn how to get KGET+ on your smart TV devices <\/a><\/p>\n City staff presented the requests for the PSVS budget, including a list of the projects recommended to move forward.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Personnel costs for 295 employees \u2014 with 172 in the police and fire departments \u2014 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\u2019s compensation costs, according to officials.<\/p>\n However, the increase is also offset by vacant position eliminations which were made possible by the city\u2019s hiring freeze and operating budget reduction process, Clegg said.<\/p>\n Fleet expenses are also rising due to vehicle and maintenance prices going up, officials said.<\/p>\n According to city officials, about $7.5 million is set aside for proposed capital projects.<\/p>\n The city is recommending several PSVS fund capital outlay projects for the City Council to consider in the future:<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n City officials also presented a list of additional project options for consideration:<\/p>\n Streetlight improvements ($1 million)<\/p>\n Beach Park bridge\/multi-use path ($2 million)<\/p>\n Citywide traffic calming improvements ($500,000)<\/p>\n Centennial Park enhancements ($700,000)<\/p>\n Westwold Playground rehabilitation ($490,000)<\/p>\n Park security cameras ($250,000)<\/p>\n Park access improvements ($375,000)<\/p>\n Siemon Park Tennis Court renovations ($580,000)<\/p>\n Affordable housing ($500,000)<\/p>\n Bakersfield City Council discusses proposed reductions, job cuts for 2026-2027 budget <\/a><\/p>\n 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<\/a> and City Council Goals.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The City Council is slated to adopt a budget in June.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n