How much scrutiny should be given to a supervisor’s discretionary budget? That’s the question Fresno County supervisors debated Tuesday following supervisor Garry Bredefeld’s proposal to change the rules about the spending process.

Each year, supervisors get a budget of about $600,000 for improvements in their district or donations to nonprofits and community events.

Before they can spend that money, Administrative Policy 75 says supervisors must send the proposal to Fresno County Counsel. Then it goes to the board for approval.

However, Bredefeld said there are enough checks in place to keep supervisors honest. Citizens can request public records and the Fair Political Practices Commission monitors spending. He said the supervisors know the rules and the consequences of breaking them.

“We are elected people, we are accountable for the decisions that we make,” Bredefeld said. “That’s why I don’t feel the need that if I want to spend $1,500 for Support Blue Run that I need to have it screened by the county counsel and then have it brought before the board.”

Supervisor Brian Pacheco called it “ironic” that Bredefeld proposed the item, given his calls for transparency and accountability in spending. The body has not denied a request in 10 years, Supervisor Nathan Magsig said.

Bredefeld ultimately tabled the item, agreeing to work with Magsig on a process that uses county counsel but not requiring board approval.

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Supervisors Approve Funding Requests

The item comes as Bredefeld requested donating $1,500 to the Support Blue Run 2025. Magsig requested $230 for two tickets to the Shaver Lake Lions Club Crab Feed Fundraiser. Supervisors approved both expenditures.

While Magsig supported changes to the rule, he said additional scrutiny protects the board. He worried about donating to nonprofits in bad standing or spending money inappropriately. Supervisors may not know all the rules, such as mailers sent to more than 250 people that have the name of the elected more than twice.

Pacheco brought up Bredefeld’s criticism of Fresno City Council credit cards when he was a member of that body. In 2022, Bredefeld called for an audit of city credit cards after accusing councilmembers of abusing their discretionary budgets.

Pacheco also brought up calls from Bredefeld at the previous two meetings calling for increased transparency.

“I feel it’s a little ironic, supervisor, that you bring this forward because at our last meeting, you went on with our departments about transparency and accountability,” Pacheco said.

Supervisor Luis Chavez sided with Bredefeld. Board Chair Buddy Mendes sided with Pacheco.

Former Supervisor Steve Brandau attempted to change Administrative Policy 75 in 2022 when he wanted to hire a trash hauler to clean up a road in his district, according to reporting from Fresnoland.

After objections from supervisors, he dropped the request.