Fresno County sues its own elections clerk as $7 billion transportation tax fight deepens

A legal showdown over Fresno County transportation funding is taking shape after county supervisors voted to sue over a proposed tax measure.

What happened?

After a 3-2 vote on August 11, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors authorized litigation connected to the "Better Roads, Safe Streets" initiative, a proposed 30-year, $7 billion transportation tax. The expected lawsuit would target the State of California, Fresno County Clerk and Registrar of Voters James Kus, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, Clovis City Councilmember Lynne Ashbeck, community advocate Veronica Garibay and retired businesswoman Joan Eaton, as Fresnoland reported.

The board's move came after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1923, legislation by Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria and state Sen. Anna Caballero. Backers of that law say it resolves earlier delays related to a county-requested study and allows the measure to be placed on the November 2026 ballot.

Supervisors backing the lawsuit argue that the initiative is too restrictive and legally unclear. Board Chair Garry Bredefeld said, "We have a responsibility to make sure that when they vote on a 30-year, $7 billion tax measure, that they have all the information that they need."

Why does it matter?

The dispute could delay or derail a major source of local funding for street paving and public transportation just as Fresno County prepares for the expiration of Measure C — the countywide transportation tax set to end in summer 2027.

Road maintenance affects commute times, vehicle repair costs, and neighborhood safety. Transit funding affects whether residents can get to work, school, appointments, and grocery stores without a car.

Critics say suing the county's own elections clerk raises questions about whether voters will get the chance to decide on the issue for themselves. Soria described the board's action as another attempt "to circumvent the will of the voters."

What's being done?

Supporters of the initiative are continuing to push forward through state law and election administration. AB 1923 was intended to keep the measure alive for the 2026 ballot, and Kus has said his office will proceed unless a court orders otherwise.

Backers say the goal is to protect funding for transportation needs across the region. Dyer said the lawsuit "definitely complicates an already convoluted issue," adding, "In spite of this, I remain committed to finding a long-term funding mechanism to ensure our neighborhood streets are paved and public transportation services remain intact."

The dispute now hinges on whether Fresno County voters will ultimately be allowed to weigh in.

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