Measure C approved by Fresno County supervisors, now heads to voters

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Fresno County Board of Supervisors on Friday unanimously voted to place a renewal of Measure C on the November ballot.

If approved by voters, the transportation tax plan will remain in place for another 30 years, raising $7 billion.

The extension was already approved by the Fresno County Transportation Authority, the agency that manages Measure C.

On Thursday, it also got the support of the Fresno City Council.

Council members voted 5-to-1 in support of the plan for spending on everything from bike lanes and street widening to curbs and gutters.

It's a half-cent sales tax.

So if you buy a $2,000 refrigerator, that would add an additional $10 sales tax toward your bill.

But it also has been opposed by state attorney general Rob Bonta, who sent a letter, recommending a delay to the massive tax plan.

The concern from opponents - they feel the extension is too long, asks for too much money and that this vote is premature.

RELATED: Community advocates urge board leaders to hold off on Measure C

Supporters say this extension will fund bike lanes, street widening, sidewalks, and needed repairs.

Supervisor Steve Brandau voted twice against putting the measure on the November ballot, but on Friday he was in favor of it.

"I just want to put it on the ballot and let the voters decide," he said.

Mike Leonardo is the executive director of the Fresno County Transportation Authority admits the plan is not perfect, but says he believes it's very good.

"While this plan does not and cannot address every transportation need in this county, it does make substantial improvements to every mode of transportation utilized in the county and it will benefit every neighborhood," he said.

The County Administrative Officer, Paul Nerland, said the measure has gone through an extensive public process.

"If Measure C doesn't pass we are talking about some of these investments that we've made, where we are unable to maintain them. That affects everything from economic development to some of our disadvantaged communities that were already having issues that we need to repair those roads. We are not going to be able to do that without these funds," said Nerland.

The current Measure C doesn't expire until 2027, but county leaders wanted to get a new measure on the ballot this year.

With Friday's approval, the measure now heads to Fresno County voters.

Two-thirds support is needed to pass the Measure C extension - a difficult threshold for any tax.

You can visit the Measure C website to learn more about the renewal process and the allocation plan.