The Measure C tax renewal cleared a hurdle when the Fresno Council of Governments Policy Board approved a recommended spending plan by a 9-5 vote at its meeting last Thursday.

The plan, recommended by a COG-appointed advisory committee, calls for spending 65% on existing neighborhood streets and roads, 25% on public transportation, 5% on regional connectivity, 4% on transportation innovation, and 1% on administration.

Measure C, the half-cent sales tax for transportation projects, expires in 2027. It would need to be renewed in November 2026 to continue.

The vote came after a passionate discussion about funding levels for public transportation. The policy board is composed of the mayors of the county’s 15 cities and a representative from the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.

Supervisor Buddy Mendes called the spending plan “dead on arrival” on his board — another step needed for eventual passage. He also called the plan “unworkable.”

Coalinga Mayor Nathan Vosburg called the public transit spending a “gross mismanagement of money.” He said what works for one city would not work for another.

Mendes proposed that the county and the cities of Fresno and Clovis develop a spending plan. Mayors from rural cities objected.

Some mayors advocated more spending on regional connectivity.

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said the alternate plan would “devastate” Fresno’s bus system, possibly leading to the cancellation of evening and weekend service. Students and seniors rely on buses, Dyer said.

“This keeps us whole. This allows us to increase services,” Dyer said. He added that it is “heartless” to do otherwise.

Dyer and Clovis Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua both voted in favor.

Plan Has Its Critics

Leading up to the vote, a group of transportation experts — including former leaders of Fresno COG and the Fresno County Transportation Authority — sent a letter criticizing the plan.

Mendota Mayor Victor Martinez said the consultants behind the letter “left our cities behind.” He said the 2006 Measure C plan promised Highway 180 would go through Mendota to Interstate 5. That did not happen.

The COG policy board still needs to approve an implementation plan.

Several more steps remain before voters would decide Measure C in November 2026. It must pass the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, the Fresno County Transportation Authority, and a majority of the county’s 15 cities by population. Then it would go back to the supervisors to place it on the ballot.

Gray Advocating for Veterans Bill

Although it has not passed the full House of Representatives, the federal Department of Veterans Affairs said it will implement a component of a bill supported by Rep. Adam Gray, D-Merced.

Veterans will be relieved of $272 million in medical copay debt accrued because of technical errors in the VA’s payment processing system, Gray said in a news release.

“After their service, our veterans deserve high-quality, affordable care — not more red tape and ridiculous bills. My STRIVE Act and these efforts at the VA both move us closer to that reality,” Gray said.

Gray called for Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, to bring the bill to the floor. The STRIVE Act passed the Veterans’ Affairs Committee in July.

Fresno Hires New Public Utilities Director

The city of Fresno promoted Paul Amico to public utilities director. He replaces Brock Buche, who retired in July.

““Paul brings deep technical skill, decades of experience, and a genuine commitment to serving Fresno. His leadership will help ensure our water, wastewater, and solid waste systems remain strong, resilient, and prepared for the future,” Dyer said in a news release.

Amico has served as an assistant director in the department since 2023. He has more than 30 years of experience as a civil engineer working in water.

“Moving to Fresno to work on Recharge Fresno was the best career — and personal — decision I’ve ever made,” Amico said.

Dyer Issues Proclamation for Late Fresno First Lady

Dyer honored former Fresno First Lady Kimberlee Autry — the late wife of Alan Autry — with a proclamation in her honor. She died Oct. 18 after an illness.

As mayor, Alan Autry appointed Dyer chief of police in 2001. While delivering a eulogy at the memorial service last Thursday at Peoples Church, Dyer told a story about a nickname Kimberlee gave him — “Puff Daddy.”

Dyer puffed out his chest and strutted across the stage as he shared the story.