30-05-2025
‘We've used everything': Bakersfield city councilmembers discuss Measure N funds
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The city of Bakersfield is facing a multi-million dollar reduction in budget for the next fiscal year.
A presentation from city staff to the council last night sparked debate over the use of the public service and vital services fund. The proposed city budget is just over $850 million for the fiscal year.
In reality, it's a $46 million reduction from 2024.
To balance the city's general fund, the council had to take $12 million from the Public Service and Vital Services Fund or Measure N funds.
Voters approved Measure N in 2017: A 1% sales tax to fund enhancements to public safety, reduce homelessness and promote economic opportunity.
At the city council meeting Wednesday night, Ward 3 councilman Ken Weir said in this proposed budget, the measure money isn't going to what taxpayers voted for.
'The point of this, is we would not go over a certain amount and this year we've used everything…it's all used,' said Weir.
Weir says that Measure N funds aren't supposed to cover the general fund.
Ward 6 councilmember Zack Bashirtash was critical with how the funds were used to fight homelessness.
'I don't believe that homeless has gotten better or stayed the same, I see the tents regularly. I count them on my way to work. In my opinion, it's gotten worse,' said Bashirtash.
City manager, Christian Clegg, and other councilmembers defended the use of Measure N funds.
Clegg said that the city homeless shelter has housed 1,000 people per year, and before PSVS passed, it could only shelter up to 500.
'By the numbers, it is better,' said Clegg. 'I would also be transparent that many members of our community are frustrated that visually they don't see some of that improvement.'
Ward 2 councilmember, Andrae Gonzales, said the funding has allowed the city to hire roughly 80 police officers and helped make other improvements across Bakersfield.
'It was to preserve and enhance vital services. We knew we had experienced two decades worth of cut after cut, after cut, cutting services to the bare bone in this city,' said Gonzales.
The budget will be formally presented on the next city council meeting on June 11.
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