Paige Lynn Benavides

The meeting included several ceremonial presentations and proclamations. The Board honored a retiring employee from the Department of Public Works and Planning for 22 years of service. A proclamation was issued designating April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, with an overview of efforts by the local council to prevent child abuse and improve outcomes. Additionally, the Board proclaimed the 40th anniversary week of Tree Fresno and discussed its ongoing work in urban greening, including tree planting initiatives throughout the county. Finally, the Board recognized the appointment of a new fire chief for the North Central Fire Protection District.

The board approved agreements with Megabyte Systems, Inc. to modernize the property tax system, enhancing resident access to tax information and processing. Additionally, the supervisors adopted updates to the state legislative platform and received briefings on the potential impacts of federal legislation on county operations. The meeting also included a presentation of the mid-year budget report for the current fiscal year, which provided an overview of revenues, expenditures, and future fiscal challenges.

The meeting included the recognition of long-term service by a public works employee, proclamations for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the 40th anniversary of Tree Fresno, and National Crime Victim's Rights Week. The Board also acknowledged the appointment of a new fire chief. Legislative actions included advancing updates to the biosolids ordinance to prohibit the land application of human compost in unincorporated areas and approving revisions to board participation rules regarding remote public comment. Additionally, a first hearing was held regarding a proposed transient occupancy tax on short-term lodging.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and flag salute. Key items addressed included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items. A presentation and plaque dedication were made to Randy Ward of the Department of Social Services for his 32 years of service upon his retirement. The Board proclaimed March 1st through the 7th, 2026, as Weights and Measures Weeks, recognizing the essential work of the Weights and Measures department in ensuring fairness and accuracy in commerce. An amendment to the salary resolution was approved to add two heavy duty mechanic positions to the Fleet Services division to reduce overtime and equipment downtime. The Board conducted the first hearing to amend the master schedule fees for the Environmental Health division, necessitated by a clerical error in a previous ordinance attachment, and set the second hearing for March 17, 2026. Finally, the Board considered an appeal of a Planning Commission denial regarding a variance application (4181) proposing to create two small parcels where a much larger parcel size is required.

During the meeting, the board honored Randy Ward of the Department of Social Services with a retirement plaque for 32 years of service. Supervisors also proclaimed March 1st through the 7th as Weights and Measures Week in Fresno County, recognizing the division's role in ensuring fairness and accuracy for consumers and businesses, which involves inspecting, testing, and sealing nearly 24,000 weighing and measuring devices annually. Furthermore, the board approved the submission of an application for a federal grant of nearly half a million dollars intended to support the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, thereby strengthening investigations and regional partnerships to protect children.