Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer is in Qatar recruiting businesses to Fresno.

“I’m meeting with investors and promoting Fresno as a premium investment opportunity,” Dyer posted on X. “They’ve already invested over $70 billion in the US, and I’m here to ensure they see Fresno as an excellent opportunity.”

Dyer said the weeklong trip is funded by the Qatari embassy.

The mayor will also visit the Al Udeid U.S. Air Force Base to meet with Central Valley military personnel.

Four other mayors of U.S. cities are on the trip — Andre Dickens (Atlanta);  Bryan Barnett (Rochester Hills, MI); Daniel Rickenmann (Columbia, SC); and Steven Reed (Montgomery, AL).

I’m honored to join mayors from across the country on a visit to Qatar, where I’m meeting with investors and promoting Fresno as a premium investment opportunity. pic.twitter.com/3UeESyhOGK

— Mayor Jerry Dyer (@MayorJerryDyer) November 18, 2024

Clovis Retains Legal Services at Higher Rate

The city of Clovis renewed its legal services contract with Lozano Smith for three years, but at a cost.

The firm currently charges $235 an hour for general services. That increases to $250 in 2025, and $285 by July 2026. Rates are different for litigation services, which also will see a yearly increase, and 4% yearly increase after that.

The three-year extension can be terminated with 30 days’ notice and contains an annual performance review.

Scott Cross remains the attorney assigned to Clovis. Lozano Smith has been Clovis’ law firm since 1992.

The motion approved 3-2 at its Nov. 12 meeting. Drew Bessinger, Diane Pearce and Matt Basgall voted yes; Mayor Lynne Ashbeck and Vong Mouanoutoua voted no.

How to Spend Measure Y Funds

Also last week, the Clovis City Council shared preliminary thoughts during their comment period about Measure Y — the Clovis sales tax passed on Nov. 5 with 67% approval. Although the money is designated for the general fund, public safety was the main selling point.

The city starts collecting the tax — adding 1% to the sales tax, with an estimated yearly take of $28 million — in April 2025. Revenue comes in by August 2025.

Bessinger proposed borrowing money from the general fund soon to start hiring more public safety officers and Basgall agreed. Others felt that may not be the best course of action. Mouanoutoua wants to borrow only in an emergency.

“I’m still not crazy taking money out of the reserve,” Ashbeck said.

Ashbeck also suggested a citizen advisory committee. Basgall wasn’t so sure, but Ashbeck clarified it would be more for oversight than recommendations on how to spend the money.

The council informally requested city staff to come up with a plan to be discussed in early 2025.

Newsom Appoints Fresno State Dean to Food Board

Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Fresno State agriculture college dean Rolston St. Hilaire to the State Board of Food and Agriculture.

St. Hilaire, a Democrat, has been with the school since 2022. He previously held a similar role at New Mexico State. He is president-elect of the American Society for Horticulture Science, a member of the board of directors of the Fresno Economic Development Corp., and a member of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, according to a state news release.

The 15-member board advises the governor and state agriculture secretary on “key issues that are of importance to California’s farmers and ranchers, community stakeholders, and citizens,” according to its website.