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Council reviews FY27 departmental budgets, reduces PSVS transfer, and weighs CIP options
Summary
City staff presented department budgets and updated general‑fund estimates; finance staff proposed reducing the PSVS transfer from $12M to $11.5M, identified $17M+ in reductions and put optional CIP items on a list for council consideration; council voted to receive and file the presentations.
City staff walked the Bakersfield City Council through department budget presentations and an updated general‑fund outlook during a May 18 budget workshop.
Finance staff reported the city’s general‑fund estimate at about $444 million, driven by modest additional revenue (short‑term rental/TOT, sales tax updates and property taxes). Staff said they reduced the proposed PSVS transfer to the general fund from $12,000,000 to $11,500,000 as part of balancing efforts. Combined personnel and operating reductions, including holding or eliminating 73 vacant positions and other operating economies, produced more than $17,000,000 in identified savings.
Department presentations summarized staffing and capital priorities. Human Resources reported a $3.2 million budget with a hiring freeze and one recommended permanent reduction; Technology Services proposed three capital improvement projects totaling $997,100 (including radio‑system support) and seven frozen positions; Public Works outlined about $36 million of additional capital outlays driven by sewer collection and SB1/RSTP projects and listed possible near‑term CIP items (rectangular rapid flashing beacons, Panama Lane pedestrian improvements, solar streetlights, a Beach Park bridge design); Development Services described a 1‑stop shop and a $22 million Transformative Climate Communities grant (with an additional $7 million award expected) as well as recent affordable‑housing deliveries.
The water department presented a consolidated $155 million portfolio across river/ag, municipal water and sewer funds and noted an anticipated sewer rate increase consistent with the rate study the council previously approved. Wastewater staff described increased operating and personnel costs and said some capital projects are on hold until recommended rates proceed.
Staff presented two lists of one‑time projects: (a) items staff recommended as priorities that “can’t wait,” representing roughly $4.3 million on the general‑fund/CIP side and $4.6 million on the PSVS side, and (b) optional projects totaling more than the available one‑time funds. Council members debated whether to allocate optional funds now or place them in contingency and revisit after the first quarter of the fiscal year when sales‑tax reports arrive. Several council members favored placing optional dollars in contingency, citing economic uncertainty and the oversight committee’s recommendation to practice fiscal restraint.
Councilmember Gonzales moved to receive and file the budget presentations; the motion was approved (the record notes three members absent). The council adjourned at 2:54 p.m., with staff directed to return with ordinance/resolution language on PSVS oversight and with final budget/CIP options for the June public hearing.
