2.-X. ID 26-1305 ***RESOLUTION - Adopting the 24th Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2026-159 to reallocate $50,000 from the Public Works Department to the City Council Department (Requires 5 Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor's Veto)
Does it seem like a smart idea to have Esparza, who was accused of extortion in 2022, spent over 10k on "promotional flyers" in 2022 as part of Bredefeld's breakdown of spending (not counting items spent on actual community give-back promotions/giveaways)? Fast forward, Jan 2026 was a co-author of a resolution allowing councilmembers/other city leaders to give government contracts to third-party consultants worth up to $100,000 — all without needing city council approval, raising it from $50,000. So less oversight with double the money???? Now he is sponsoring a resolution to take $50,000 from DPW for Council? While it may be distributed via all Council members, why would it not be a consideration to pour this money even into reflective paint on roads since half of Fresno you drive you cannot see the lines as they dull (I'm specifically using a DPW example as this would fund from that department).
I understand there is a cost of doing business, outreach, community engagement etc, but if a department has available funds, whether cost savings from materials, attrition.......whatever, it should stay in that department and be put towards safety in the least. I would rather know workers are working safe WITH the materials/equipment they need for the job than candy apples at Halloween. NO money should ever come from a department to council- it should stay and support department operations in ANY capacity.
Does it seem like a smart idea to have Esparza, who was accused of extortion in 2022, spent over 10k on "promotional flyers" in 2022 as part of Bredefeld's breakdown of spending (not counting items spent on actual community give-back promotions/giveaways)? Fast forward, Jan 2026 was a co-author of a resolution allowing councilmembers/other city leaders to give government contracts to third-party consultants worth up to $100,000 — all without needing city council approval, raising it from $50,000. So less oversight with double the money???? Now he is sponsoring a resolution to take $50,000 from DPW for Council? While it may be distributed via all Council members, why would it not be a consideration to pour this money even into reflective paint on roads since half of Fresno you drive you cannot see the lines as they dull (I'm specifically using a DPW example as this would fund from that department).
I understand there is a cost of doing business, outreach, community engagement etc, but if a department has available funds, whether cost savings from materials, attrition.......whatever, it should stay in that department and be put towards safety in the least. I would rather know workers are working safe WITH the materials/equipment they need for the job than candy apples at Halloween. NO money should ever come from a department to council- it should stay and support department operations in ANY capacity.