On Feb. 11, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors (BOS) passed an update to its federal legislative platform and approved Homekey funding for supportive housing. A lively discussion on repeal of the supervisors’ discretionary spending rule resulted in no action at the present time.
Federal Legislative Platform Update
Two lobbyists contracted by the County, Spencer Street and Ben Goldeen of Townsend Public Affairs, summarized the BOS’s current federal legislative platform and explained how they would advocate for it in Washington, D.C.
The key priorities of the platform are as follows:
- Support immigration reforms, particularly enhancing visa programs (H-2A and H-2C)
- Support the oil and gas industries
- Oppose marijuana decriminalization
- Obtain lots of funding for law enforcement
- Change the term “green” to “environmentally conscious”
- Secure federal funding for water storage and conveyance projects
- Increase funding for homelessness programs
The platform sparked no discussion from supervisors regarding the Trump administration–led dismantling of the federal government, or of the implications for the County, which, per District 5 Supervisor Nathan Magsig at the previous meeting, is experiencing the effects of the on-again, off-again freezing of federal funds for various critical County programs, such as Head Start.
District 2 Supervisor Garry Bredefeld’s hackles were raised regarding funding for “harm reduction” strategies for opioid addiction, specifically needle exchanges. Staff clarified that the County doesn’t fund needle exchanges but allows them in conjunction with other services.
Bredefeld also became heated at the mention of “vaccine mandates,” even though the legislative platform called for opposing such requirements. He repeated complaints, as he has consistently at BOS meetings since January, about surgical masks in general (which he claims are “ineffective”) and the current requirement at a local hospital for workers to be vaccinated against the flu.
He raised a variety of grievances left over from the pandemic era and went so far as to defame Dr. Rais Vohra, the County’s interim health officer at that time, depicting him as a villain and accusing him of committing “atrocities.” Bredefeld said that he would “lead the charge!” should the BOS formally declare opposition to a vaccine mandate.
The lobbyists concluded by highlighting potential federal budget cuts, noting that Republicans want to extend the 2017 tax cuts and, to offset that cost, will propose cuts to Medicaid, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and the like. They mentioned that discussions are taking place “behind closed doors” to address this concern.
The BOS approved the platform with a couple of minor changes.
“I want the freedom to spend money.”
—District 5 Supervisor Garry Bredefeld
Homekey Funding for Supportive Housing
The BOS reviewed and ultimately approved grant applications for the Homekey program, which funds permanent supportive housing (PSH) for vulnerable populations, including veterans.
Homekey is the PSH component of the Behavioral Health Services Act of 2024. Two sets of $30 million grants were under consideration. In addition to housing construction costs, the funding covers medical and behavioral health needs.
An outraged Bredefeld again drew attention to himself, this time because of his own math mistake. Bredefeld thought the number of units to be built in one grant was 39, making the per-unit cost more than $700,000. “Outrageous!” he concluded. He wanted the two projects to be voted on separately, so he could vote “no” on this one. When a staff person clarified that the number of units to be built was 63, not 39, Bredefeld had an Emily Litella “never mind” moment and supported the funding.
Mental Health Block Grant
The supervisors unanimously approved a routine mental health block grant to fund residential services and substance-use disorder programs. Magsig asked the County’s Behavioral Health director if any of the funding was “in jeopardy,” an oblique reference to the Musk-Trump cuts. “We are not seeing it now, but we are watching it closely,” was the reply.
Debate on Discretionary Spending Policy
One of the most debated topics at the meeting was regarding Administrative Policy 75, which requires legal and BOS approval for supervisors to use discretionary funds for community events. Bredefeld proposed repealing the policy, arguing that it undermines supervisors’ autonomy and treats them “like children” forced to ask “daddy counsel” for permission to spend money.
It is “our job” as supervisors, Bredefeld argued, to determine how money should be spent because “we were elected to oversee budgets,” adding, “I want the freedom to spend money.”
District 1 Supervisor Brian Pacheco pointed out the blatant incongruity of Bredefeld’s position. Bredefeld, new to the BOS as of January, has spent much of this year’s meeting time fervently questioning various budget items and raising issues of “transparency” and “accountability” in County spending. Pacheco noted that Bredefeld, who was observed standing on tiptoe to appear taller during a group photo session later in the meeting, had campaigned feverishly on the need for increased transparency.
Erstwhile accountability hawk Bredefeld insisted that rescinding the requirement for legal scrutiny and formal BOS approval for these occasional expenditures would not “reduce accountability,” though he didn’t say how.
District 3 Supervisor Luis Chavez raised concerns about potential misuse of funds if the policy were removed, whereas Magsig suggested safeguards should remain to prevent funding illegitimate organizations and ensure “defensibility.”
Specifically, the Feb. 11 consent agenda included proposals for an expenditure of $230 for Magsig to purchase two seats at a Shaver Lake Lions Club event and $1,500 for Bredefeld to donate to a “Support Blue Run 2025” police event. Both were approved per the current rule.
The issue was tabled, with Bredefeld, Magsig and County Counsel Daniel Cederborg being directed to draft alternative solutions.
Public Comment
During the public comment period, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers in purple SEIU 2015 t-shirts voiced frustrations over stagnant wages and prolonged contract negotiations. Several speakers highlighted the financial strain on caregivers and urged the BOS to approve long-overdue salary increases. “The vibe here is ugly,” noted one of the IHSS commenters. The BOS is the governing body of the IHSS.
