BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
DEPARTMENT BUDGET PRESENTATION
POST-MEETING AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
May 4, 2026, 12:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue
1. ROLL CALL
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
b. Agenda Item Public Statements
3. REPORTS
a. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Department Budget Presentations - Budget Workshop No. 1 General Government (City Manager's Office, Risk Management, City Clerk)1.
City Attorney's Office2.
Finance Department3.
Recreation and Parks Department4.
Police Department5.
Fire Department6.
Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the presentations *1. General Governent Presentation
*2. City Attorney's Office Presentation
*3. Finance presentation
*4. Recreation and Parks Presentation
*5. Police presentation
*6. Fire Presentation
4. ADJOURNMENT
City Manager’s Office AdminMission Statement: CMO is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the City, development of the City budget, coordination of city-wide initiatives, and putting City Council’s goals and policies into action.Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget
FY 2026-27 City Manager’s Office Admin Department Summary 2 2FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget
Budget Changes and New Proposals •Economic Development operations (business attraction and expansion activities) reallocated to CMO.•Community Vitality operations reallocated to Police Department to enhance alignment, efficiency and focus.•Implement strategic parking improvements at the 18th & Eye Street structure to optimize operations, improve user experience, and strengthen the City’s parking enterprise.Programs & Department Highlights•CalVIP Cohort 5 Grant Award•Advance Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) implementation to meet evolving accessibility requirements through audits, staff training, and digital content remediation•Continue to lead annexation efforts to support strategic growth, enhance service delivery, and strengthen the City’s tax baseCity Manager’s Office
FY 2026-27 City Manager’s OfficePersonnel Overview
3 3FY 2026-27 Proposed BudgetPersonnel Changes•Community Vitality staff reallocated to Police Department; Economic Development staff reduced and absorbed into CMO; one FTE Management Assistant reallocated to CMO from Risk.•One FTE Assistant City Manager eliminated.City Manager’s Office City Manager's Office # of PositionsExecutive 7Administrative Staff 10Community Relations 4Economic Development 3Office of Violence Prevention (OVIP) 3Total FY 2026-27 Full-Time Positions 26 323126-238131823283338FY 2024-25 FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27
# of Employees - City Manager's Office
City Clerk’s OfficeDepartment Mission Statement: The Mission of the Bakersfield City Clerk’s Department is to maintain a complete and accurate record of the City Council proceedings; preserve official City records; conduct municipal elections; provide administrative assistance to the City Council and its various agencies, committees and subcommittees; and provide residents and other stakeholders excellent customer service by facilitating transparency and by being efficient, professional, responsive and creative in the delivery of services.Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget
FY 2026-27 City ClerkDepartment Summary
5 5FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget
Budget Changes and New Proposals •Department is comprised of 7 staff with no changes in personnel count•Increase of 6.1% in personnel costs due to step increases and negotiated COLAs•Decrease of 2.36% to total operating due to adjustments based on actual usagePrograms & Department Highlights•Successfully coordinated the 69th annual Teen Government Day, engaging local high school students in hands-on learning about municipal government operations•Implemented an enhanced Netfile electronic filing system module, streamlining the recruitment process for boards and commissions•Launched the eScribe Public Portal for the Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee and Water Board•Coordinated with City departments to identify employees subject to the expanded ethics and fiscal/financial training requirements under SB 827 (effective January 1, 2026)City Clerk’s Office
Risk Management DivisionDivision Mission: The Mission of Risk Management is to protect the assets of the City from potential loss by purchasing insurance, self-insuring or transferring the risk to others when appropriate; promote safety and well-being for City employees by designing training and educational programs to reduce injuries; respond to all claims filed against the City and limit the amount of loss through effective claims management. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget6
FY 2026-27 Risk ManagementDepartment Summary
•The following budget changes are key drivers behind the increase over the previous year’s budget.•Operational:The operational budget reflects a 3% increase ($39,668) from the prior year; driven by the addition of cancer screenings to Fire Department physicals as negotiated with the Bakersfield Professional Firefighters Association in the past year .•Workers’ Compensation: The workers’ compensation program reflects an increase of 15% ($3,183,532) from the previous year, due to third party administration fees for the program, state fees for self-insurance, excess insurance premiums, medical inflation, severity of workplace injuries, and legislative actions that expand coverage in the workers’ compensation program. Risk Management 7 •Liability: The liability budget includes litigation expenses, insurance costs, and claims administration fees, with a reflected increase of 10% ($1,448,493). The program increase can be attributed to multiple factors including increased liability insurance premiums, lack of tort caps in California, increases in social inflation and settlement values across the nation, litigation expenses, and third-party administration fees.•Property: The property budget reflects a decrease of -7% (-$114,408). The property insurance market moves in cycles. When losses rise, insurers raise rates. As pricing becomes more attractive, competition increases and premiums begin to come down.FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget Budget Changes
Visit BakersfieldDepartment Mission Statement: The mission of Visit Bakersfield (VB) is to promote the City’s long tradition of hospitality, welcome visitors, and showcase our diverse community. VB attracts groups and visitors, foster economic growth, and promotes the City as an attractive option for large events, local tourism, and outside investment. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget
FY 2026-27 Visit BakersfieldDepartment Summary
9 9FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget
New Proposals & Goals•Continue growing Visit Bakersfield’s social media presence, including launching a new app that aggregates positive user-generated content •Promote the Bakersfield Historical Trail pass •Maintain attendance at key tradeshows to position Bakersfield as a premier meetings and events destination •Increase awareness and usage of the community events calendarVisit Bakersfield Hosted Events•CIF State Wrestling Championships •USA Ultimate D1 Collegiate Regional Championships •3C2A Collegiate Softball State Championships •Golden State Spirit Association Grand Nationals •Jehovah’s Witness Watchtower Conventions •Pacific Coast Cup at KCRP •USA BMX Golden State Nationals •49th Annual National Street Rod Association Western Projects CompletedLaunched a new comprehensive community events calendar Developed the Bakersfield Historical Trail Installed airport baggage claim signage and digital monitor Released a new app-based Bakersfield driving tour
Q&A10
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE2026/2027 BUDGET
Virginia GennaroCity Attorney
2026/2027Organizational Chart
City Council
City Manager
City Attorney
Chief Assistant City Attorney
Chief Assistant City Attorney
City Attorney’s OfficeFY 2026-27 Proposed BudgetDepartment Mission Statement:The Mission of the Bakersfield City Attorney’s Office is to represent,support, and provide legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, Department Heads, Staff, Boards,Commissions, and Committees
City Attorney’s OfficePersonnel Overview
•ACA and Chief Assistant unfunded•One DCA dedicated to Water funded by Water Dept.•Recruitment for Chief Assistant City Attorney and 1 DCA•DCA I Salary is Reserved for Chief Assistant City Attorney City Attorney's Office # of PositionsCity Attorney 1Chief Assistant City Attorney* 1Assistant City Attorney* 1Deputy City Attorney* 5Administrative Assistant 1Senior Legal Secretary 1Legal Secretary 3Total FY 2026-27 Full-Time Positions 13
2025/2026Organizational ChartCity AttorneyDeputy Attorneys2 Vacant + 1 Water + 2Outside CounselAdministrative AssistantSenior Legal SecretaryAssistant City AttorneyLegal Secretaries Chief Assistant City Attorney
Comparable City Surveyof Attorneys on StaffMunicipality Population Attorneys Outside CounselFresno 545,716 34 YesBakersfield 413,381 4 YesAnaheim 340,512 25 YesStockton 319,543 5 YesRiverside 318,858 20 YesFremont 226,208 5 YesSan Bernardino 223,728 0 (Outside Counsel)YesModesto 218,915 2 YesOxnard 198,488 7.5 YesGlendale 187,050 12 YesOntario 182,457 0 (Outside Counsel)YesPasadena 133,560 19 YesSanta Monica 89,922 27 Yes
Outside Counsel•Tort Cases:–Clifford & Brown thru 2029/2030•Police Cases:–Marderosian & Cohen thru 2029/2030•Water Matters:–Duane Morris thru 2025/2026–Currently Negotiating Potential Future Agreement•Land Use Matters:–Duane Morris
Incoming Litigation5 Year Comparison
19929263223911905101520253035
2021/2022 2022/2023 2023/2024 2024/2025 2025/2026
Incoming Lawsuits
Personal InjuryCivil Rights
Federal and State Cases (184)
Civil Rights, 32Motor Vehicle, 56Trip & Fall, 47
Miscellaneous, 49
Civil RightsMotor VehicleTrip & FallMiscellaneous
2025/2026Accomplishments•Outside Counsel:–FederalClosed 6 cases4 with no monies paid by City–StateClosed 25 cases13 with no monies paid by City
2025/2026AccomplishmentsDepartment Highlights•184 litigation matters 22 Federal and 162 State•Disposed 18 State matters in house, with no monies paid‒9 Zamos letters issued•Assisted with litigation pertaining to water law and issues affecting the City•Represent City in various Municipal Code appeal hearings as well as Miscellaneous and Police Civil Service Commissions hearings
City Attorney’s OfficeFY 2026-27 Proposed BudgetDepartment Mission Statement:The Mission of the Bakersfield City Attorney’s Office is to represent,support, and provide legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, Department Heads, Staff, Boards,Commissions, and Committees
Significant Changes•Changes when compared to fiscal year 2025/2026 budget–Chief Assistant City Attorney to be Funded in 26/27‒Unfunded Assistant City Attorney positionAnticipated Funded Position During 26/27‒2 Funded Deputy City Attorney positionsDCA II Remains Vacant But Funded/Recruitment StartedDCA I To Be Used for Chief Assistant City Attorney
2025/2026 Goals•Continue litigation posture•Maintain municipal services•Continue to handle appropriate matters in house•Continue recruitment for 1 DCA
FY 2026-27 BUDGET WORKSHOPFINANCE DEPARTMENTMay 4, 2026
Finance DepartmentDepartment Mission Statement: The mission of the Finance Department is to efficiently and effectively maintain the fiscal integrity of the City of Bakersfield in support of the goals of both the City Council and all City Departments. This mission is founded and driven by a commitment to provide the best service possible as stewards of taxpayer funds.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget
FY 2026-27 Finance Department Summary
3 3FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget
Budget Changes and New Proposals •There are no new proposals for the department.•We were able to make the requested 5% reduction using a combination of position reductions and operating reductions.•There were no discretionary increases to the departments budget. All increases were the result of COLA’s, benefits, and internal rates such as TS, Workers Compensation, Property and Liability Insurance.New Capital Improvement Projects/Programs or Department Highlights•The Finance Department has no new capital improvement projects scheduled for FY26-27. •We will continue our efforts to replace our current ERP system. This includes fine tuning the ERP Financials piece and EPM (budget module) and planned go-live next fiscal year for HCM and Utility Billing.Finance Department
FY 2026-27 Finance Department Personnel Overview
4 4FY 2026-27 Proposed BudgetPersonnel Changes•Position eliminations: •Business Analyst Supervisor•Accounting Specialist IFinance Department Financial Services Department # of PositionsFinancial Administration 7Financial Accounting and Reporting 15Treasury 10Purchasing 3Total FY 2026-27 Full-Time Positions 35 3132 3237352527293133353739FY 2022-23 FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27# of Employees - Finance Department
CALPERS CONTRIBUTIONS
Finance Department5
Recreation and Parks DepartmentDepartment Mission: Recreation and Parks enhances the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships.Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget
FY 2026-27 Recreation and ParksDepartment SummaryBudget Changes and New Proposals •The increases in the department’s personnel services are primarily attributed to salaries & benefits.•The increases in the operations component is primarily from utilities, Fleet Division rates, and Technical Services rates. New Capital Improvement ProjectsRecommended Projects:•Park Amenities & Renovation Improvements (PARI) ($500,000 PSVS)•MLK Jr . Park Grant Match ($3,000,000 PSVS)•Park ADA Improvements ($200,000 COF)The Following Projects are for Council to Consider:•Siemon Park Tennis Court Rehab. ($580,000 PSVS)•Westwold Park Playground Rehan. ($490,000 PSVS)•Tree Planting and Urban Canopy ($200,000 COF)•Block Wall Repairs ($500,000 COF)•Centennial Park Improvements ($700,000 PSVS)•Park Access Improvements ($375,000 PSVS)•Park Security Cameras ($250,000 PSVS)FY 2026-27 Proposed BudgetRecreation and Parks 22
FY 2026-27 Recreation and Parks DepartmentPersonnel OverviewPersonnel Changes Reduction in Five GF and Two PSVS•Supervisor II (GF)•Maintenance Craftworker (GF)•Operation Support Specialist (GF)•Service Maintenance Worker (GF)•Facility Worker (GF)•Light Equipment Operator (PSVS)FY 2026-27 Proposed BudgetRecreation and Parks 33 Recreation and Parks Department # of PositionsAdministration Division 12Recreation Division 14Park Rangers & STORM 37Parks Division 133Total FY 2026-27 Full-Time Positions 196
FY 2025-26 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FY 2025-26 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FY 2025-26 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FY 2025-26 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FY 2025-26 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FY 2025-26 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FY 2025-26 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Questions?
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed BudgetMission Statement: The Bakersfield Police Department partners with our community to protect the lives and property of the people we serve.
Police Department
Police Department
Budget Changes•2.78% Increase in Salaries & Benefits•Medical Insurance•Workers Compensation•PERS – Police and Misc.•1.05% Increase in Operating Expenses•Internal Vehicle and Technology Service Rates•Total Expenditure Increases –2.39%
Police Department
QUESTIONS?
Bakersfield Fire Department2026/27 Budget
The Mission of the Bakersfield Fire Department is to protect, engage, and inspire a safe community through all-hazard response and community risk reduction while delivering legendary customer service.
Bakersfield Fire DepartmentBakersfield Fire Capabilities•All-risk fire department (Class 2 ISO Rating)•In 2025, the department responded to nearly 50,000 incidents, including approximately 2,700 advanced life support paramedic responses.•OES Type 1 Haz-Mat Team•OES Regional USAR Task Force•OES Swift Water Rescue Team•Paramedic level of care•State and Federal response to wildland fires•Prevention and Inspection Services2
Bakersfield Fire 25/26 Accomplishments•Completion of the Department Annual Report•Department-wide infrastructure improvements•Interacted with nearly 15,000 community members at community relations events•Public Safety Open House at Fire Station One with more than 800 people in attendance•Deployed to multiple fires throughout the western United States•The Fire Investigations Division investigated 434 fires•Deployed the paramedic bike team and UTV to multiple large events3
Bakersfield Fire FY 26/27 Goals•Continue to administer and pursue grant opportunities•Monitor residential and commercial build-out•Continue to enhance citywide disaster response preparedness (EOP, Swift Water & USAR)•Expand the department’s paramedic capabilities•Continue to develop the Fire Department social media sites•Implement a wildland urban interface (WUI) ordinance•Collaborate with mutual aid and automatic aid agencies•Secure funding and launch the process of updating the City’s Emergency Operations Plan•Update the Kern County Op. Area Disaster Response Mutual Aid Agreement•Implement the fire department dashboard 4
2026 / 27 Proposed Budget•Primary drivers:Salaries and benefits, departmental CIP request, and internal rates (TS, Fleet, Insurance). 5
Budget Reduction Impacts•Remove One Rescue from service (Three Captains & Three Firefighters)•Eliminate One Deputy Chief Position Restaff the additional two rescues to two firefighters, removing the Captain position •Carry four firefighter & four engineer vacancies through the fiscal year. 6
Capital Improvement Projects RequestRecommended Projects•NFPA / OSHA Compliant Turnout Replacement PSVS ($250,000)•Priority HVAC Lifecycle Replacement (Stations 5, 6, 13) PSVS ($141,000)•Body Armor Replacement (End of Service Life) PSVS ($70,000)Projects for Council Consideration•Floor rehab of Fire Stations 6, 7, and 11. ($100,500)•Fire Station 3 parking area repaving ($20,000)7
Questions