AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
June 11, 2025 COUNCIL MEETING
REGULAR MEETING – 3:30 PM
No items to highlight.
REGULAR MEETING – 5:15 PM
PRESENTATIONS
Item 4.a National Boys & Girls Clubs Week (All Wards) Proclamation to Marivic Louey, Vice President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County Board of Directors, declaring the week of June 23, 2025, as National Boys & Girls Clubs Week in Bakersfield.
MISCELLANEOUS
Item 7.g.1 Central California American Planning Association Award of Excellence (All Wards) The City of Bakersfield has received the Transportation Planning Award of Excellence from the Central California American Planning Association for its Active Transportation Plan, developed by the Public Works Department in collaboration with consultant Kim ley-Horn’s Los Angeles office. The City extends its gratitude to project partners, including Blue Zones Project Bakersfield and community stakeholders, whose contributions were essential to creating a comprehensive and impactful plan. This recognition highlights the City’s commitment to enhancing active transportation options and fostering a healthier, more connected community.
PUBLIC SAFETY/VITAL SERVICES MEASURE
Item 7. i.1 Bakersfield Poli ce Department Body Worn Cameras (All Wards) Since 2019, the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) has used body worn cameras from Axon Enterprise, Inc. to enhance transparency, accountability, and public safety. After conducting a year -long pilot program with four vendors and a competitive bidding pro cess, Axon was selected as the most suitable provider. In November 2024, the City entered into a five-year agreement with Axon totaling $4,128,036.81, covering all hardware, software, training, and support services. The BPD is now proposing an amendment to this agreement, increasing the total by $198,338.82 to $4,326,375.63, to expand storage capacity, add licenses, and include interview room services. Funding for this amendment is budgeted within the Public Safety and Vital Services Operating Budget.
HEARINGS
Item 9.a Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Domestic Water Rates for Fiscal Year 2026 -2030 (All Wards) The Water Resources Division of the City of Bakersfield provides domestic water services funded primarily through water availability fees, readiness-to-serve fees, and monthly sales, maintaining some of the lowest urban rates locally. Following a 2022 rate study and a 2023 City Council -approved rate increase, ongoing aging infrastructure, new state regulations finalized in 2024, and rising op erational costs have necessitated further adjustments. A 2025 supplemental report highlighted funding shortfalls under the current rate structure, prompting a proposed new rate schedule for Fiscal Years 2026 -2030, with increases ranging from 34% in 2026 to 2.4% in 2029 and 2030. These adjustments comply with California’s Proposition 218, ensuring rates reflect reasonable service costs, and follow public notification and hearings. If approved, the increases will take effect July 1, 2025, with no impact on th e General Fund.
Item 9.b Public Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Proposed Budget (All Wards) The proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget for the City of Bakersfield totals $852.7 million, including $765.2 million for operating expenses and $87.5 million for capital improvements. In compliance with Assembly Bill 2561, the City will hold a public hearin g to review job vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts before adopting
the budget. As of May 2025, there are 155 full-time vacancies out of 2,029 approved positions, reflecting a citywide vacancy rate of 7.64%, with no bargaining units exceeding 20%. The Human Resources Department continuously evaluates hiring practices and c ollaborates with labor partners and commissions to improve recruitment and reduce turnover, successfully placing over 200 full -time employees annually.
Prepared by: Jaritza Nunez, Management Fellow CC: Department Heads City Manager’s File
City Clerk’s File
News Media File