ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 2, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: New Business TO: Personnel and processes Committee
FROM: Christian Clegg, City Manager
DATE: August 25, 2026
SUBJECT: Update on Citywide Efficiency Study
[Document Description]
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend Committee receive and file.
BACKGROUND:
On June 26, 2025, the City Manager’s Office (CMO) provided an overview of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 hiring freeze to the Personnel & Processes Committee (Committee). This presentation detailed how management planned to address the projected structural deficits through a citywide hiring freeze, regular vacancy reviews, and year-over-year savings from non-personnel operating expenses.
During this meeting, Councilmember Bashirtash requested the City seek a qualified contractor to formally conduct a citywide efficiency study that addressed citywide service delivery, staffing stru ctures, and process efficiencies. After a competitive bidding process, the City selected Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP (Baker Tilly) to conduct a Citywide Efficiency Study in Fiscal Year 2026-27. Over the last month, City staff have been working with Baker Tilly on the first phase of the efficiency study.
City staff will provide the Committee with an overview of the study, detail the process being carried out by Baker Tilly and City staff, and share a template of the workbook.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Innovative and Efficient City Government
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Citywide Efficiency Study – Bakersfield Scope of Work
2. Citywide Efficiency Study - Calendar
3. Citywide Efficiency Study – Sample Workbook