FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — With less than two weeks before Election Day, debate is intensifying over a section of Measure S, the proposed half-cent transportation sales tax that would replace Measure C and fund transportation projects across Fresno County.
Critics argue the measure creates what amounts to a “slush fund” for nonprofits and private organizations, while supporters say those claims misrepresent how the program would actually work. Information about the disputed program is outlined in the measure’s text.
“What it is, in reality, is a slush fund for the nonprofit funders of Measure S,” said “No on Measure S” campaign manager Alex Tavlian.
At the center of the dispute is the measure’s Access and Innovation Program, which would receive 4% of annual Measure S revenue. According to the ballot measure, those funds are intended for planning and projects that enable new transportation technologies, expand zero-emission infrastructure and increase access to destinations throughout Fresno County.
The measure requires the Fresno Council of Governments to first use those funds to support and maintain free transit programs for seniors, veterans, active-duty military personnel, people with disabilities, children and students through Fresno Area Express, Clovis Transit and the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency.
Only if money remains after those obligations are met can the council award competitive grants for projects involving clean transportation, mobility improvements and emerging transportation technologies. Eligible projects could include electric vehicle charging stations, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, zero-emission vehicle planning, micromobility hubs, telecommuting infrastructure and other future transportation technologies.
Opponents estimate roughly $8 million could be left over annually and argue the language gives too much discretion over how tax revenues are spent.
“4% of $300 million seems like a very small amount, but it’s a lot of our money that’s going to go into their pockets to do whatever it is they want to do,” Tavlian said.
Supporters insist that characterization is inaccurate.
Former Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin, who now serves as president and CEO of the Central Valley Community Foundation, said the measure contains safeguards that prevent organizations from directly accessing the funds without government oversight.
“I think they’re just being fussy and silly and misrepresenting what’s actually in this measure,” Swearengin said.
The measure specifies that while private-sector entities, nonprofits and other government agencies may apply for grants, their applications must be submitted through and sponsored by the local government where the project is located. Cities and Fresno County are generally intended to serve as the primary applicants.
“They have to go through the local governments that are actually host to the projects. So at the end of the day, our local governments that are directly accountable to the people, they are the ones who decide,” Swearengin said.
Supporters also note that the competitive grant process would be administered by the Fresno Council of Governments and would be subject to implementation policies and guidelines established by the agency.
The measure is supported by 11 of Fresno County’s 15 mayors. At a press conference Thursday, several local leaders rejected claims that the Access and Innovation Program creates a slush fund.
“The inference that it creates a slush fund is taken out of context significantly. In fact, I would say it’s a false narrative,” Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said.
Opponents remain unconvinced.
“They want to partner with the guys who funded this measure to make sure that they get the money, whatever that percentage is for them, that they can get,” Tavlian said.
Measure S will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot, where voters will decide whether to extend Fresno County’s transportation sales tax and implement the spending plan outlined in the proposed Fresno County Transportation Improvement Act.
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