The Fresno County Board of Supervisors made a contentious decision on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to delay placing the Better Roads, Safe Streets transportation sales tax measure on the ballot. This move has raised concerns about the potential expiration of Measure C without a successor in place.

The decision, supported by Supervisors Buddy Mendes, Nathan Magsig, and Board Chair Garry Bredefeld, requires county staff to complete a study of the measure’s impacts. This delay significantly reduces the chances of the measure appearing on ballots until 2028, as the study and subsequent procedures may not be completed in time for the November 2026 ballot.

The Decision and Its Implications

The majority’s decision came despite pleas from various stakeholders to respect the will of the thousands of voters who supported placing the plan on the November ballot. Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s a shame that that happened today. I really mean that. This is probably — I think this is voter suppression, quite frankly, because they did not allow the voters to vote on something that I believe the voters should’ve been able to vote on.”

Mendota Mayor Victor Martinez was equally vocal in his criticism, calling the board “racists” and the board chair “Garry Bonaparte.” He argued that the delay was not about the need for a study but rather a disregard for the communities that need improved infrastructure. “The City of Mendota has been forgotten, and they never did (anything) about it,” he stated.

Potential Consequences

The expiration of Measure C in 2027 without a replacement could have severe repercussions. County Public Works staff projected that approximately 90 employees, including road crews and engineers, could face layoffs. This concern was highlighted by Board Vice Chair Luis Chavez and Supervisor Brian Pacheco, who voted against the study and sought to approve placing the measure on the November ballot.

Supporters of Better Roads filled the boardroom to capacity, including elected officials and residents. However, a handful of mayors and consultants urged the supervisors to delay placing the measure on the ballot. Political consultant Alex Tavlian, speaking on behalf of the San Joaquin Valley Taxpayers Association, was among those who advocated for the delay.

The Path Forward

The only way for Better Roads to appear on the November ballot now hinges on county staff completing their study within the allotted 30 days. However, staff indicated that the study would likely take the full time. After the study, the board would need to call a special meeting before the Aug. 7 deadline to qualify for the ballot, a responsibility that lies with Board Chair Bredefeld, who has been a vocal opponent of Better Roads.

In the absence of these narrow possibilities, Better Roads is likely to be delayed until the March 2028 primary election. Better Roads campaign spokesperson Andy Levine expressed disappointment, stating, “They intentionally waited until today to start this as a way to run out the clock on the Aug. 7 deadline for ballot placement.” He called on county staff to complete the study efficiently and to call for a special meeting to allow voters to decide on the measure.