The Fresno County Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed to begin the process of eliminating vehicle entry fees for veterans and active military members at their county-run parks.
Introduced by Supervisors Garry Bredefeld and Nathan Magsig, the proposal for free entry comes a week ahead of the Veterans Day holiday.
Currently, vehicle entry fees for the park are $40 annually, or $5 daily. The fees “may pose a financial barrier and diminish accessibility for those who have already given so much service to our nation,” according to county documents.
Bredefeld, a veteran himself, said the new perk is a way for the county to show appreciation toward local members of the nation’s armed forces not just during the November holiday, but throughout the year.
“This is a small way that we can do this,” Bredefeld said, “by basically saying you can come and enjoy our county parks at no cost.”
Magsig, whose district represents much of the Sierra region, said members of his family, including his father, served in the military. He said it’s “important” that the country not only hold ceremonies and holidays to celebrate veterans, but that they also “constantly remind our young people and constantly do things to celebrate what this country stands for.”
“We would not be a country without those who have served in every conflict that’s ever taken place,” Magsig said. “And so I greatly appreciate the veterans for their sacrifice.”
There are approximately 34,000 veterans in the county, and 1,700 active members of the military, according to county documents.
The county estimates that vehicle entrance fee revenues could be reduced by about $21,000 through the new resolution, under the assumption that about 4,000 veterans and 200 active-duty military take advantage of the new benefit. Approval of the fee removal would include direction for the county to develop methods to track how many veterans take advantage of the service.
A second hearing for the proposal will take place on Nov. 18 where it is expected to see continued approval. That would mean the new rates would take effect on Dec.18
Fresno County’s latest crop report breaks records
The Fresno County Department of Agriculture presented their annual crop and livestock report to the board on Thursday, which revealed a new record-best gross for the county.
Fresno County’s agricultural industry grossed over $9 billion, an increase of 5% from the previous record amount.
Department Commissioner Melissa Cagan said the almonds were the top grossing crop last year, returning to the top spot after three years. Almonds grossed about $1.5 billion, according to the report.
Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, said he was proud of the report as it led to the region regaining the “title of as the number one agricultural county in the nation.” He added that the record-breaking numbers are “not necessarily reflective” of the health of the local agricultural community.
“We face some very difficult times the last four years from a combination of issues,” Jacobsen said, “whether it’s less than average market prices, rising input costs, higher interest rates, and a long list of regulatory and logistical hurdles.”
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