FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cary Catalano, (559) 355-0751
Kerman Becomes 10th of Fresno County’s 15 Cities to Back Measure S
City Council resolution puts a supermajority of the county’s cities behind Better Roads, Safe Streets — fixing neighborhood streets without raising taxes
KERMAN, CA — The Kerman City Council voted 4–1 on September 23, 2026, to adopt a resolution supporting Measure S, the citizen-led Better Roads, Safe Streets initiative on the November 3 ballot. Kerman is now the 10th of Fresno County’s 15 incorporated cities to formally back the measure.
With Kerman’s vote, two-thirds of the county’s cities now stand behind Measure S. Kerman joins the city councils of Clovis, Coalinga, Firebaugh, Fresno, Huron, Mendota, Orange Cove, Parlier and San Joaquin.
“Measure S is an investment in the basic infrastructure our community depends on every day,” said Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco. “It means more resources for Kerman and other rural communities to fix neighborhood streets, repair potholes and make our roads safer. Just as importantly, those dollars stay local and are invested right here in our communities. I support Measure S!”
Measure S continues the half-cent transportation sales tax Fresno County residents have paid for decades, so it does not raise taxes. It replaces Measure C, which expires on June 30, 2027. Without it, Kerman would lose its dedicated local road and public transportation funding.
Measure S puts neighborhood streets first. It directs 65% of revenue to existing local roads, compared with 34.6% under Measure C. Every city, large or small, receives a base of $400,000 a year before the rest is shared by population and road miles. That structure is a direct benefit to rural communities like Kerman.
For Kerman, the difference is substantial. Kerman is estimated to receive $84 million over 30 years under Measure S for local road repairs, compared with $8 million over 20 years under Measure C. Every dollar stays local and can only be used for transportation.
Measure S also funds:
- Pothole repair and street resurfacing, fixing the worst roads first
- Safer intersections, lighting and traffic signals
- At least 150 Safe Routes to School projects
Measure S would also expand transportation options for Kerman students. Since 2024, a free shuttle that Mayor Pacheco pushed for has carried Kerman students to Fresno City College, and its Fall 2026 run is already full. Measure S dedicates 25% of its revenue to public transit, including a share for the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency, and guarantees free bus fares for students, children, seniors 62 and older, people with disabilities, and veterans and active military personnel.
Strong accountability is built in. An expanded 11-member Citizen Oversight Committee will hold quarterly public meetings. Every city and the county must also complete independent audits and performance reports each year.
“By voting ‘Yes on Measure S’, we will ensure that local communities like Kerman have the infrastructure needed to achieve their potential and improve the quality of life for their residents,” said Councilmember Ismael Herrera.
“Measure S brings Kerman $2.8 million a year to fix our local streets,” said Councilmember Berdie Hall. “Please join me in voting ‘Yes on S!’”
“Measure S helps fix Kerman’s local streets and sidewalks,” said Councilmember Raj Dhaliwal. “Please vote ‘Yes on S!’”
Every vote counts: Measure S needs just a simple majority to pass. Ballots are in the mail now. As soon as yours arrives, fully fill in the “Yes” bubble under Measure S and return it at any drop box, vote center, or the election office. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, but you can vote Yes on S today for better roads and safer streets in Kerman and across Fresno County. Learn more at voteyesons.com.
About Measure S
Measure S, a citizen-led initiative on the November 3, 2026 ballot, continues Fresno County’s existing half-cent transportation sales tax for 30 years without raising the rate. It funds every city and town in the county to fix potholes and neighborhood streets, make streets safer, speed emergency response, strengthen public transit and protect kids on their way to school. All funds are protected by citizen oversight and annual independent audits.