FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Road repairs will likely continue within the city of Fresno — But outside city limits, projects may be in jeopardy.
As of Wednesday, reported election results show a yes vote on the city’s transportation tax leading in the polls known as Measure D.
Meanwhile, the countywide initiative — Measure S — is struggling.
Measure D will only apply within city limits.
It was the city’s ‘Plan B’ — Placed on this year’s ballot to protect its revenue if Measure S fails.
If it does fail, county leaders say they’ll need to act to avoid a regional funding gap that could be devastating.
During a campaign watch party in support of Measure S Tuesday night, former Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin advocated for the citizen-led initiative.
“Measure S means $7.5 billion going to our local transportation infrastructure, 68,000 jobs over the next 30 years. This is just a basic thing to take care of our local communities. It’s for our kids and our grandkids. And I hope voters see it the same way,” she said.
The final decision comes down to the last 100,000 ballots still waiting to be counted.
If passed, it would replace Measure C — Fresno County’s current half-cent transportation sales tax.
Where Measure C is limited to transportation needs, Measure D will allow for additional dollars to be spent on city services like police and fire.
“I would anticipate we’re going to continue to spend as we have in terms of our roads as well as transit. But there could be somewhere around $12-15 million a year that is reserved for public safety,” Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer told Action News Wednesday.
Any additional revenue will go to city’s general fund.
And the measure would sunset after 10 years, or until county leaders adopt a similar tax.
A county spokesperson tells Action News they are currently evaluating next steps on a countywide tax if Measure S fails.
Measure C will expire June 30, 2027.
Its replacement measure will go into effect the next day.
Click here for video story from ABC 30.
