The Measure C Citizen Oversight Committee may not include citizens if the proposed tax renewal follows one suggestion.

At a meeting on Oct. 16, advisory committee member Veronica Garibay asked why it’s a requirement to be a U.S. citizen to sit on the oversight committee.

“I recommend removing that given our county and who we represent,” said Garibay, co-founder of the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability.

She sits on the steering committee — an advisory group set up by the Fresno Council of Governments to craft the renewal of Measure C — the Fresno County half-cent sales tax for transportation projects. It expires in 2027, so it requires a vote next year to continue.

Garibay declined to elaborate on her proposal after the meeting.

Oversight Committee Optional

The committee — part of the 2006 Measure C renewal approved by voters — has 13 members, although there are four vacancies. Eligible members must be a U.S. citizen residing in Fresno County.

Six of the members are selected based on location — three in the Fresno-Clovis metro area, two in unincorporated rural areas of the county, and one from a city outside the Fresno-Clovis area. All five Fresno County supervisor districts must be represented.

Seven of the members are selected from community organizations “expected to provide a balance of viewpoints,” the Measure C bylaws say.

At last week’s steering committee meeting, members discussed what the oversight committee should look like for a 2026 renewal. Representation across the county was important. The size of the committee was also discussed, as well as what powers the group should have.

The advisory committee made no formal decision.

While state law requires citizen oversight committees for school bond measures, such committees for tax measures are optional.

Measure C’s bylaws allow the 15 mayors within the county and the chair of the Board of Supervisors to select the citizen oversight committee.

A 2019 state law allows for undocumented immigrants and other noncitizens to serve on state boards. Other cities have allowed noncitizens to serve on local boards and vote in local elections.

The steering committee next meets Wednesday, Oct. 29. The target date to make final recommendations is Nov. 13.

Beltran: Noncitizens Unlikely to Serve

Parlier Mayor Alma Beltran, chair of the COG Policy Board — comprised of the 15 mayors and  the supervisors’ chair— said any change to a future oversight committee is unlikely.

“While there is no statutory requirement for oversight committees generally, or for them to be composed of citizens, the current Measure specifies that the oversight committee should consist of Fresno County residents who are U.S. citizens and at least 18 years old. This approach is expected to continue with the 2026 measure,” Beltran said.

Mendota Mayor Victor Martinez, when asked about Garibay’s proposal, responded “No taxation without representation.”

“When shopping and generating sales tax revenue, is it required to be a U.S. citizen?” Martinez said.

Brooke Ashjian, a former member of the steering committee turned critic, opposed the suggestion of noncitizens serving.

“It’s quite literally in the name,” Ashjian said.

Ashjian criticized the membership of the steering committee. COG added 12 seats picked by social justice group Transportation For All.

“I’m shocked Veronica Garibay and Transportation For All forgot to give one of those seats to an illegal immigrant,” Ashjian said.

Ashjian made a suggestion of his own — that the city of Fresno should propose its own road tax measure.

“Just fix Fresno roads and let these emotional support virtue signalers do their own thing,” Ashjian said.