A committee in Fresno County has put forth a recommendation to renew the Measure C transportation sales tax for a duration of 30 years. This action comes as the current half-cent sales tax is set to expire in June 2027, necessitating renewal next year to ensure continued access to local funds and matching state and federal resources.
During a meeting held on Thursday, 21 of the 29 members present of the Measure C Steering Committee voted in favor of the 30-year renewal option, while the alternative of a 20-year term garnered seven votes. Previous iterations of the measure, which established the tax in 1986 and renewed it in 2006, each had a duration of 20 years.
Allocation Categories and Accountability Measures
At an earlier meeting, the committee identified categories for spending, including neighborhood roads, public transportation, regional connectivity, active transportation, and administration. Although the committee attempted to vote on a preliminary allocation plan, discrepancies in the results led to no formal recommendation being made. An initial look at the voting suggested that 52% of funds may be directed towards neighborhood roads, compared to the current measure, which allocates approximately 65% for road improvements.
A more detailed allocation plan is anticipated at the committee’s next meeting on October 2, 2023. In addition, the committee approved several suggestions aimed at enhancing accountability, including a review of the spending plan every 10 years, ensuring transparency, and clarifying the process for amending the spending plan. Discussions also centered on strategies for recruiting and diversifying an oversight committee.
Since its inception, Measure C has generated over $2.1 billion locally and has leveraged an additional $8 billion in state and federal funding. For the average household, the sales tax translates to approximately $4 to $8 monthly through everyday purchases.
Public Transit Challenges and Future Steps
Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the costs associated with expanding public transit options, particularly regarding light rail. Transportation officials provided insights, indicating that the implementation of light rail in Fresno County is financially unfeasible. They noted that the federal government is unlikely to fund such a project due to high costs per mile and insufficient population density to support adequate ridership.
Transportation officials stated, “The capital and infrastructure costs and ridership numbers are not favorable and would require a lot of subsidy for operations and capital.” They suggested that bus rapid transit could serve as a more viable option to connect Fresno with Kingsburg, as light rail would impose significant financial burdens without sufficient demand.
Upgrading Fresno’s bus system to achieve 15-minute service intervals would incur nearly $1.25 billion in costs.
Looking ahead, final recommendations from the committee are expected next month. The Fresno Council of Governments and the Fresno County Transportation Authority will need to approve the proposed plan before presenting it to county city councils for further review. The responsibility to place a measure on the ballot ultimately lies with the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, although citizens can also propose alternative measures through petition signatures.
Mark Keppler, the committee facilitator, emphasized the importance of grounding recommendations in reality, stating, “If you want your recommendation to be taken seriously, it has to be grounded in reality.” The Fresno COG Policy Board had previously established the 38-member committee, which includes representatives from various cities, labor unions, and community organizations. Earlier this year, the committee was expanded to include 12 members appointed by Transportation for All, a coalition focused on social justice issues.
Former Fresno City Council member Larry Westerlund was appointed to the committee, replacing Brooke Ashjian as the city representative, while Gloria Hernandez was added as an alternate member representing the Stop the Violence initiative. As discussions continue, the path forward for Measure C remains a significant focus for the Fresno community.