Wasco, California Development News
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Wasco Advances Capital Projects, Including New Water Tank, and Addresses Infrastructure Updates
Mr. Harber provided an update on the capital improvement program, detailing ongoing projects, those in early development, and deferred projects, categorized by status and department. He highlighted that Tank Two is now in full service, capable of running the entire city during the day using its booster pumps, allowing other wells to rest and operate during cheaper power times at night. This is a significant change for the city's water system. \n \nCouncil members discussed the prioritization of projects, the difference between a project budget and secured funding, and the potential for future updates on project status. Council Member Martinez inquired about the functionality of the electric vans, which have experienced recurring battery issues. \n \nMr. Harber also addressed concerns about Unwired's fiber installation, noting that while conduit has been laid, cable installation is pending. He also confirmed that asphalt used for patching is temporary and will be replaced with concrete. He anticipates a more comprehensive update on the city's use of the new fiber network and dark fiber in the summer. \n \nAdditionally, the council discussed the city's sign ordinance, which prohibits certain types of advertising flags, and how businesses might seek changes to this ordinance. Residents also raised questions about the water tank's capacity to handle demand spikes and the automatic operation of wells and booster pumps, which was clarified as being managed by the SCADA system.
Wasco City Council Addresses Budget, Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Community Concerns
The City Council meeting included several procedural items and reports. The agenda was approved with a correction regarding the negotiating party for closed session item E. Public comment periods were held for various items, with residents raising concerns about sidewalk repairs, street maintenance, and the need for city services in specific areas. \n \nLieutenant Guiltero provided a public safety report for June. Finance Director Blakemore presented the city's vacancy report, an update on the capital improvement program, and the city's appropriations limit. The council also adopted resolutions approving the annual operating budget, the capital improvement program, and the amended salary schedule for fiscal year 2026-2027. \n \nReports were received from the Kern Economic Development Corporation and the Current Council of Governments, including updates on transportation projects and federal grant applications. The City Manager provided a list of various city business updates, including the status of pedestrian crossing projects and the successful Independence Day celebration. \n \nClosed session items were discussed at the end of the meeting. Council members also reported on various activities and brought forth community concerns and suggestions for future consideration, including transportation support for PAL program participants, a camera registry program, and issues related to Unwired's fiber installation.
Wasco Police Department Reports on June Activities, Community Engagement, and Future Initiatives
Lieutenant Guiltero presented the Wasco Police Department's public safety report for June. The department handled 1,940 incidents, including 1,095 calls for service and 845 officer-initiated incidents. Traffic enforcement involved 402 stops and 85 citations, with 31 moving violations, 27 of which were for speeding. Officers made 103 arrests and completed 213 cases. The department also hosted a 'Coffee with a Cop' event and a business district watch meeting. A junior police summer camp is scheduled for the following week, with all 27 spots filled. The department is also training with a drone and has reduced illegal fireworks calls significantly compared to the previous year. \n \nCouncil members expressed appreciation for the department's proactive efforts. Council Member Medina inquired about the frequency of business watch meetings and the quantification of 'positive citizen contacts.' Council Member Raya asked about the age range for the summer camp. Council Member Martinez suggested the possibility of acquiring a motor officer. Council Member Raya also raised concerns about the lack of guidance for seniors in the PAL program and suggested police involvement. Mayor Pro Tem Reyna praised the department's community engagement. Council Member Martinez inquired about public education on electric bikes. Mayor Saldana inquired about the status of drone training and its effectiveness in deterring illegal fireworks. The department confirmed ongoing drone training and a reduction in fireworks-related incidents, though no citations were issued for illegal fireworks on July 4th, despite seizing illegal fireworks. \n \nDiscussion also touched upon the electric vans, which have experienced ongoing battery issues, and the status of Unwired's fiber network installation, including the need to replace asphalt with concrete where conduit was laid. \n \nAdditionally, Council Member Reina highlighted a boxing event where eight fighters from the PAL association received belts, but noted that parents struggle with transportation costs to attend these events. He also suggested reintroducing a camera registry program for businesses and residents to enhance security. Council Member Raya echoed concerns about transportation for PAL program participants and the cost of attending boxing events, suggesting the city consider providing a van for transportation.
Wasco Council Approves Budget, Capital Improvement Program, and Salary Adjustments Amidst Vacancy Report Review
The City Council conducted a public hearing and reviewed the city's vacancy report as required by Assembly Bill 2561. Finance Director Blakemore reported that as of the adoption of the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, there were 11 vacant positions out of 125 budgeted full-time positions, resulting in an 8.8% vacancy rate. She noted that neither bargaining group exceeded the 20% vacancy threshold. Progress has been made in filling positions, with a senior dispatcher, a police officer, and an animal control officer recently hired. The city remains focused on recruiting and retaining qualified employees through competitive compensation, promotion opportunities, and onboarding initiatives. \n \nFollowing the vacancy report, the council unanimously approved the city's fiscal year 2026-2027 annual operating budget and the five-year 2025-2030 capital improvement program, reaffirming previous resolutions in compliance with AB 2561. \n \nAdditionally, the council adopted a resolution approving the city's appropriations limit for fiscal year 2026-2027, also known as the GAN limit, as required by Article 8B of the California Constitution. Finance Director Blakemore explained that this limit does not restrict overall spending but rather appropriations funded by certain tax proceeds. For fiscal year 2026-2027, the calculated limit is $35.8 million, with appropriations subject to the limit at $5.9 million, leaving the city well within compliance. The city will continue to use its population growth factor and the California per capita personal income factor for annual adjustments. \n \nFinally, the council adopted a resolution approving the amended salary schedule for fiscal year 2026-2027, extending a 4.25% COLA increase to non-represented public safety groups, middle management, and confidential employees, mirroring the increase provided to WPOA members. HR Manager Vera provided a detailed breakdown of the salary ranges and changes.
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