Here’s how to hear Fresno county, city spending plans for coronavirus relief money
Fresno County leaders are joining with City of Fresno leaders this month for a public workshop where the two agencies will discuss a spending strategy for federal coronavirus aid relief.
The announcement on Friday afternoon from the county came as state Assemblyman Dr. Joaquin Arambula has pushed for a public meeting from the county so residents could have input on the spending of more than $81 million in county aid.
But it’s not clear if the Assemblyman’s attempts to get a meeting led to the workshop. Friday morning, Arambula, D-Fresno, and members of the county Board of Supervisors had an encounter at the Hall of Records building where they argued over the meeting request.
The workshop is planned for 9 a.m. July 28 and will take place in the Fresno County Plaza Building ballroom, according to a news release from the county.
County Board Chairman Buddy Mendes said collaborating with the Fresno City Council is critical to ensuring the aid spending plan meets community needs.
“We welcome the City’s input as we continue working to identify areas of greatest need and the most effective ways to help Fresno County in our collective recovery,” Mendes said in the announcement of the workshop.
To date, the county has spent $25 million in CARES funds on testing, protective equipment and small business relief. County officials said more is still needed to be done. The City of Fresno received more than $90 million in similar funds.
Fresno City Councilmember Luis Chavez also previously reported a lack of communication from the county with the city on the county’s spending plans. Although, Fresno County Chief Administrative Officer Jean Rousseau has laid out tentative plans.
The workshop will include members of the Board of Supervisors, public health staff and City Council members as well as representatives from the Fresno mayor’s office. State representatives will be involved, too, according to Supervisor Nathan Magsig.
Open to public
The public is invited to the workshop.
Everyone is required to wear masks and seating will be limited in order to allow for distancing. The meeting will also be broadcast live on the Fresno County Facebook page.
This story was originally published July 17, 2020 at 5:44 PM.
