A divided Fresno County Board of Supervisors approved a new policy requiring county staff to seek approval before celebrating some holidays and celebrations in an official capacity.
The county officially recognizes and closes their offices during the federal holiday schedule, and on Cesar Chavez Day, Columbus Day and the day after Thanksgiving. Following Tuesday’s 3-2 vote, Fresno County staff now need board approval if they want to participate in holidays and celebrations beyond those pre-approved days.
Board Chairman Buddy Mendes, Vice Chair Garry Bredefeld and Supervisor Nathan Magsig voted to approve the policy. Supervisors Luis Chavez and Brian Pacheco dissented.
The supervisors supporting the policy said they’ve received feedback from constituents taking issue with certain holiday celebrations county staff have participated in. Magsig said he sees this policy as a way to reduce friction among the community, while still upholding the county’s mission and values.
“I think we’ve just shown right now how we have different beliefs, and there’s no way to represent all,” Magsig said. “So if we begin to start picking specific celebrations, there are others who begin to say, ‘hey, we’re being excluded. What’s important for me, and with this policy, is that we celebrate those things that are as inclusive as possible.”
Tuesday’s vote caps the installation of a pair of guardrails the board has approved this summer changing how county staff can participate in community events.
In July, a policy requiring county department heads to seek board approval before they can spend their discretionary funds was also passed on a 3-2 vote.
Discussion on adding these two new policies started in June when Bredefeld said during open session that he took issue with county staff using tax payer dollars to disburse items like condoms and lubricant at this year’s Pride Day festivities throughout the county.
Residents have appeared during public comment since the summer, with most criticizing the policy as a thinly veiled attempt to politicize holiday celebrations among county staff. Members of the LGBTQ+ community have also said they feel the policy stonewalls county staff from participating in their events.
The new policy still allows county staff to celebrate “ordinary workplace activities” like a staff members’ birthday, retirement and work milestone. Other celebrations will need to come before the board for approval.
“Ideally, departments would plan in advance and submit an item to the Board for the next six to 12 months” of celebrations, according to county documents.
Board reconsiders earlier decision to leave state jobs coalition
The Fresno County Board Of Supervisors approved through a split 3-2 vote to approve county staff to collaborate in a state jobs coalition run by a local nonprofit.
The Central Valley Community Foundation is a local nonprofit working in partnership with the Sierra San Joaquin Jobs Coalition. The coalition is a local chapter of the state-run California Jobs First Program, which aims to help local regions across California create more local jobs.
The foundation and Gov. Gavin Newsom first unveiled the coalition earlier this year in Fresno.
The approval comes after the agenda item initially came before the board in July. No motion was made by the board, leaving it in limbo.
Pacheco initially voiced concern with the partnership in July, but said in past meetings that he has since changed his position.
Magsig also said he had some concerns, but felt comfortable knowing the board would have opportunities to oppose the foundation’s plans if they go against the “values” of the county. He said that he met with the Central Valley Community Foundation to share some hopes and expectations for the coalition.
“If a plan comes back that doesn’t focus on forest health, large-scale hydro(electric), more water storage, then I think the criticisms that are up here will be absolutely true,” Magsig said.
The Central Valley Community Foundation will reimburse the county up to $100,000 for county staff time, according to county documents.
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