As the new year begins, the City of Bakersfield is already well into its fiscal year and facing continued budget pressure, with city officials warning that rising costs are outpacing revenue and forcing departments to prepare for reductions.
Bakersfield Police Chief Gregg Terry said the department is entering the 2026 fiscal year expecting budget constraints similar to those facing the rest of the city.
“Costs are outpacing the revenue,” Terry said. “That’s the reality, and so we’re taking a close look at how we can better align and still maintain these core services.”…