Bakersfield previews PSVS tax budget, offers $7.5 million in one‑time capital options

City Manager provided the Bakersfield City Council an early preview of proposed spending from the Public Safety & Vital Services (PSVS) tax on April 8, stressing that no council vote was required tonight and that final action is scheduled for June.

The manager said projected PSVS tax revenue is close to $100 million with modest growth of roughly 2% and about $17 million in one‑time funds available this coming year. After recent budget reductions, personnel costs are estimated at about 54% of the PSVS budget, down from roughly 60% in prior years. Staff told the council they anticipate roughly 70 position eliminations across the general fund and PSVS combined and an approximate 8% reduction in discretionary PSVS expenses.

“This is just an early look at items that will be recommended,” the City Manager said, noting the PSVS oversight committee will review eligibility and council will make final funding decisions. He also said the city expects to transfer a portion of PSVS proceeds to the general fund but that the exact amount was not finalized.

Staff recommended using one‑time PSVS funds for capital projects rather than adding new ongoing allocations, presenting about $7.5 million in available one‑time capital funds. Recommended projects included completion of a large radio replacement and tower remediation project, a new generator for police headquarters, park amenity renovations and deferred‑maintenance work, and funding to meet new turnout‑gear standards for firefighters. The manager proposed a $3 million local match to an $11.9 million grant to complete the first phase of the MLK Park project — the full first phase was described as roughly $23 million.

An optional project list of about $6.3 million in potential items was shown; staff said council could realistically select roughly $3–3.5 million of those items. Options included additional street‑lighting expansions, environmental and design work for the Beach Park Bridge, traffic‑calming and school safety improvements, phased park security cameras, park access and ADA improvements, Seaman Park tennis court renovations, and continued allocations to the affordable housing trust fund.

Council members asked clarifying questions about the personnel reductions and fund balances. Council Member Coleman asked whether the 8% reduction applies across general fund and PSVS personnel; the City Manager said it does. Council Member Arius pressed staff to clarify the difference between recurring revenue and one‑time balances; staff said about $18 million of the $117 million figure cited represents one‑time fund balance and savings.

The council voted to receive and file the preview; no funding decisions were made. The oversight committee will review project eligibility in the coming weeks, the city will hold community budget town halls in April and two council budget workshops in May, and the full council is scheduled to consider the final budget in June.