Concerns over a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dominated the Fresno County Board of Supervisors Special Meeting on December 20, 2024, as local farmers and residents voiced strong opposition to the agreement. The MOU, which modifies tax-sharing arrangements between the city and county, has raised alarms about its potential impact on agriculture and urban development.

David and Helen Ramming, small farmers from the SEDA area, were among the first to speak out against the MOU. They argued that the new tax-sharing ratio, shifting from 62-38 to 49-51, unfairly prioritizes development in their area over other parts of Fresno. "This agreement promotes urban sprawl and converts farmland to unneeded single-family dwellings," David Ramming stated, emphasizing the environmental consequences of such changes, including increased traffic and pollution.

The Ramings also criticized the timing of the meeting, held just days before Christmas, questioning the transparency of the process. "Why were you initially going to vote on this without any notices to the residents?" Helen Ramming asked, highlighting concerns about the lack of public engagement.

Brett Thompson, another resident from the affected area, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the city has not provided a budget for the CETA project, which is part of the MOU. He raised concerns about the projected carbon emissions from the plan, estimating an annual release of 500,000 tons, further stressing the environmental implications.

The public comments underscored a broader anxiety about the future of Fresno's agricultural land and the ethical considerations surrounding urban development. As the meeting concluded, the board was urged to reconsider the MOU and use it as leverage to hold the city accountable for its plans.

The discussions at this meeting reflect a critical moment for Fresno County, as residents grapple with the balance between development and preserving their agricultural heritage. The board's next steps will be closely watched by those who fear that unchecked growth could threaten the region's rich farming legacy.