[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6135047,"mediaKeyId","5677556-1150c0b62c8a090ea871206868f3bac3","parentId",5677556,"title","Board tables decision on refuse‑hauler contract terminations after haulers cite investment concerns","audioSeconds",1053,"startMs",2825000,"endMs",3878000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5677556-1150c0b62c8a090ea871206868f3bac3&start=2825&end=3878","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5677556-1150c0b62c8a090ea871206868f3bac3/thumbnail_2825000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6135047/Merced-County/California/Board-tables-decision-on-refusehauler-contract-terminations-after-haulers-cite-investment-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6135047-6fd82a053778ca09be3d78eb9adf77b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433277&Signature=Y~-~AuNc4khsi9gRbb0eiMq4J~tFulN1ZbBSEqw48GLAvm1BewsRUBMFYufq4KMkLMb~IERxqXk01T~nu9S~7VU2MEYD~aYhYsUmBC392U3QUGW24GO8TOP~zzWV7SLZAw-gTNp6nLBd96GFrTL2GZM~qQrNU8za-QC6fvOiDYjUO4nJghQjTKVf-n1by9yLiF~b-iBWGabFik34Xyv62zgMAUVZ1cdubqU7MkGLoFBIfDSl0FvbSXyEFdE955dshufbjAxPEuv9WoqwDg9bX4C8IxzppWFW9DmtrWmqbn71dmeA8zjmatzD6V3jmKJJKbqvBhAvZBJ6lskLSirUYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Merced County, CA","date","2025-08-26T00:00:00Z","article","The Merced County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 26 decided to table action on formal termination notices for the county’s refuse‑hauler agreements after a contentious discussion about how to balance contract competition with haulers’ capital investments and the state’s SB 1383 mandates.

Public Works staff had returned the item for reconsideration after haulers requested longer contract terms to amortize equipment investments made to comply with state regulations. Staff recommended issuing a notice in February 2030 that would make the contracts terminate July 1, 2035 — effectively a 10‑year window from the agreements’ July 1, 2025 start date — so haulers could recover some capital costs.

Some supervisors urged a shorter timeline to preserve the county’s ability to seek competitive bids. “I believe we have a responsibility to our constituents to look at the costs of what we’re doing,” Supervisor Pedrozo said, urging the county to begin the termination process and move to a request‑for‑proposal (RFP) timeline in 2028. Other supervisors, however, emphasized the practical effects of SB 1383 implementation and the amortization schedules of the haulers’ equipment investments.

Representatives from WM Winton Disposal and Jilton Solid Waste told the board they appreciated staff’s review and described the staff recommendation as a “balanced path forward” that recognizes both county planning needs and haulers’ investment timelines.

Supervisor Pereira moved to table the item indefinitely and bring it back to the board later if a board member requests it; Supervisor Pacheco seconded. The motion passed 4‑1. Supervisors Silvera and McDaniel expressed support for accommodating hauler concerns; Supervisor McDaniel voted no and argued for earlier notice and a competitive process.

Staff said that, if notice is given per the contract terms, contracts terminate five years from notice and the county would then run a competitive procurement so current haulers may reapply. The item returned to the board after a July 22 hearing and subsequent information exchange between staff and the haulers.

The board took no immediate step to issue termination notices; tabling preserves the current contract terms and directs staff to return the item when a supervisor requests further action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Supervisors Meeting - August 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Merced County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 26 tabled deciding when to issue official termination notices for the county’s refuse‑hauler agreements after haulers and some supervisors disagreed over how long carriers need to recoup capital investments tied to state mandates.","taxTitle","Merced County, California","taxId",12479,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6135039,"Board holds public hearing on vacancies and recruitment; county reports higher vacancy rates in select health roles",822,3966000,4788000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5677556-1150c0b62c8a090ea871206868f3bac3&start=3966&end=4788","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5677556-1150c0b62c8a090ea871206868f3bac3/thumbnail_3966000.jpg","/articles/6135039/Merced-County/California/Board-holds-public-hearing-on-vacancies-and-recruitment-county-reports-higher-vacancy-rates-in-select-health-roles","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6135039-44a405f90bbc782abb7fe209737bf0d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433277&Signature=kCURKWLzBnRujSOev3gDJ2mnl1D5WnAZY5z~WNQXs~bozUZiOkIlzbZljlOVVcfqK925ol0eX6o1r3oNXH8QprFSoEfLZwWbzlzJy~TLmctTmDSzJ74lYapw960NLr~6DtCtAIlj8sYGEbc1NkAnf0qX0oLHcvAXR9Sw6RGOoA53deyMo4Ud6XQfV0LQhbBkBRWcX0oCxaWdPNnHQPG3zAftQWLDN8VIByTakVReRUo-Hrmeuho0mLZSA2skbQ3GC4~919Zas-kMGo7bzICkzy-PyVkoal7iKLcJ2wfTLoLnJXh2yLx6~ovmIKMS0dR7dwxqUoFljjeYfkfIAy2p0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Merced County held the required public hearing under Assembly Bill 2561 (Gov. Code §3502.3) on Aug. 26 to discuss current job vacancies, recruitment and retention strategies.

Deputy CEO Summer Moniz presented six‑month data covering Oct. 2024 through March 2025. The overall county vacancy rate during that window fluctuated between 13.9% and 14.6%; the county’s five‑year vacancy range has been roughly 9% to 17.3%. Moniz said those rates are “within the statewide average for California counties,” and she noted the county added 25 full‑time positions in the reporting window, completed 202 new hires and promoted 110 employees.

The presentation identified one bargaining group — AFSCME Unit 6 (health services) — with a vacancy rate above 20% in the reporting period (32.9%). Moniz said many of those vacancies were concentrated in public health during a period of leadership transition and that hiring activity intensified after new leadership was in place. The county reported a 50% improvement in filling unit 6 vacancies between March and Aug. 15 and said the department had made multiple offers to reduce the remaining gaps.

Human Resources staff outlined targeted recruitment steps for hard‑to‑fill classes, including: pairing licensure‑based and degree‑based classifications to increase hiring flexibility for nursing and mental‑health roles; expanding partnerships with UC Merced and regional colleges; creating internships for behavioral‑health clinician pipelines; and offering hiring and referral incentives for specified public‑safety and hard‑to‑fill roles.

Moniz provided operational metrics for the AFSCME unit: 32 vacancies, 644 total applications for those positions in the reporting period, 361 qualified applicants and an average time to hire of 119 days (about 17 weeks) for those job series. The department noted background checks and DOJ/FBI clearances can lengthen timelines.

Representatives of bargaining units addressed the board; Deputy District Attorney Andre Margaine (Unit 7) and Merced County Deputy Sheriffs Association President Roberto Torres (Units 10 and 14) emphasized recruitment and compensation concerns for attorneys, deputies, dispatchers and other public‑safety staff. The hearing was informational only; no board action was required or taken.","Merced County held an AB 2561 public hearing Aug. 26 and reported an overall six‑month vacancy rate near 14%, with higher shortages in some public‑health classifications and targeted recruitment steps under way.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6135044,"Board approves one‑year trial leasing sheriff vehicles through Unified Fleet Services to speed up upfitting",1255,4478000,5733000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5677556-1150c0b62c8a090ea871206868f3bac3&start=4478&end=5733","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5677556-1150c0b62c8a090ea871206868f3bac3/thumbnail_4478000.jpg","/articles/6135044/Merced-County/California/Board-approves-oneyear-trial-leasing-sheriff-vehicles-through-Unified-Fleet-Services-to-speed-up-upfitting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6135044-d3971d7f98b1012c5754b3495631d87b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433277&Signature=bG0Rzseq0CfXMYBbNVqaAo~RfaIz9AScDi5nARYPnQ9OOD7affn8ctDX4wMXiA-n6-PlhXnRV-dQGgZuC91tN9Hni4ArjxlvqeVV91Owo~UwLOx7Y-HOCQJ3qRRnB6c4X6rpVSrH4ADTGsEQRfV1L5s-xQgxP5NZh0P1m1ahjcMHcY6-tr-gnEHcVVI~dNZwUDPYb9y47v3Ud-VWXGcFzHzw9rQjt8So8nHT~PIMk4Dn9YgwamsbSteb7wyISlefHsPSNP7lsacrnRNtfBjsl2jkwfpSfTLpS1G0HMZcg4XBZB5Ut2U0FRzztgl6eZ6J1ZotQPHL-2tjpeAwph6Fqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Merced County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Aug. 26 to approve a one‑year Category‑1 pilot allowing the sheriff’s office to lease patrol vehicles through Unified Fleet Services and to centralize vehicle upfitting and procurement.

Lieutenant Bassi, who oversees fleet services for the sheriff’s office, told the board the department faces aging patrol vehicles, long delays between vehicle delivery and upfitting and an inefficient procurement process that often leaves cars out of service for months. “The current model is not working,” he said, and described the proposal as a way to “streamline purchasing and upfitting” and get vehicles back on the road faster.

Unified Fleet would place bulk orders, drop‑ship patrol units to an approved upfitter, and deliver patrol‑ready vehicles to the county, the lieutenant said. The standardized approach aims to produce faster turnarounds and consistent vehicle wiring and equipment so deputies rotating between cars encounter the same controls.

Supervisor Silvera, who said he helped connect the sheriff’s office with Unified Fleet, acknowledged the plan will increase near‑term costs but argued the county would gain operational efficiency, more predictable long‑term vehicle value and faster replacement turnaround. “It doesn’t save us money. This costs us additional resources. But what we gain is efficiency,” Silvera said.

The board approved the pilot with the understanding it is an initial step; staff will return with results after the trial period. The motion was made by Supervisor Silvera and seconded by Supervisor Pacheco; the vote was unanimous.","The Board approved a one‑year Category 1 pilot for leasing and centralized upfitting of Merced County Sheriff vehicles through Unified Fleet Services, a lease model supervisors and the sheriff’s office said should reduce vehicle downtime and standardize equipment despite an expected near‑term cost increase.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6135052,"County report: Merced agriculture supports nearly $10 billion in local economic activity, authors say",937,619000,1556000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5677556-1150c0b62c8a090ea871206868f3bac3&start=619&end=1556","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5677556-1150c0b62c8a090ea871206868f3bac3/thumbnail_619000.jpg","/articles/6135052/Merced-County/California/County-report-Merced-agriculture-supports-nearly-10-billion-in-local-economic-activity-authors-say","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6135052-a2ef9cb5a555514e8115cffacd8f6ea5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433277&Signature=HGLGqnsJGH~8dX-up0cxqcT-Jhmib7Ofw90jrkqWrQIvkTs5g1IPxv6G-P~o5auHOjidvW5cvQIZIoGMm6CGII~7VCbkjYZmgpbpGaojDBKIJOOPj4ekaYAb7VWeCnsh7G-oc-Broub9EbBRtN5k3hFvIWz69sLJNxXqpRyc7qV6nxFCxlTiq963iUGFhuBC3goyhsD0wH8u0A345Bx3HaJLUpU2T8IFWHNEuMe~lVqHHcdqzOx72fTeaZQN9W3StTlRLlnzxcCGwma7rBbb4htqduH7paodL1Wc1~OnZbwCXOmbemnLD912NM3nyq9LTW7WdF1jKXEe6oNF2MUtBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Merced County’s agricultural industry generated nearly $10 billion in total economic activity in 2023 when farm production, local food processing and multiplier effects are combined, consultants told the Board of Supervisors at its Aug. 26 meeting.

The county’s agricultural commissioner, Sean Runyon, introduced consulting economists Dr. Fernando de Paul and Dr. Jeffrey Langholz, who presented a 24‑page report that expands on the department’s annual crop values by modeling local processing, business‑to‑business spending and induced household spending.

“The total contribution of Merced County agriculture in 2023 … was almost $10,000,000,000,” Dr. de Paul said during the presentation, and he added that every dollar of agricultural output “creates economic ripples throughout Merced County.” The consultants reported roughly $4.22 billion in farm production, about $2.82 billion in local food processing, and about $2.89 billion in multiplier effects. Employment tied to agriculture was estimated at about 38,800 jobs — 22,862 direct jobs in production and processing plus 15,938 jobs from multiplier activity.

The report also measured commodity diversity within the county’s agricultural sector and found a diversification score of 0.6, which the presenters said is high for California counties and indicates resilience to shocks such as price swings or disease outbreaks. The presenters said milk and dairy products remain the county’s largest commodity contributors.

Supervisors and public commenters said they expect to use the report for economic development outreach. “This is probably a place where you can highlight this report to show folks,” Supervisor Silvera said during the board’s discussion, referencing the county’s inland port planning and recruitment conversations. Brianne Vandenberg, executive director of the Merced County Farm Bureau, told the board the Farm Bureau expects to use the study when advocating at state and federal levels.

Runyon told the board the county has made the report and an executive summary available online and via a QR code on the presentation slides. The consultants said they used standard input‑output methods and an economic “multiplier” framework to convert farm receipts into broader local impacts.

The presentation concluded with the consultants’ three main takeaways: agriculture is a very large economic output for Merced County; it is the county’s largest industry for output and employment; and it shows a high level of economic resilience.

The board did not take formal action on the report; staff said the study is intended as a tool for policymakers and economic development efforts.","An economic study presented to the Merced County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 26 estimated that agriculture, local food processing and multiplier effects accounted for nearly $10 billion in economic activity in 2023 and supported roughly 38,800 jobs in the county.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6135035,"County to seek independent review of employee health plans; CEO to release RFP for consultant",583,6143000,6726000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5677556-1150c0b62c8a090ea871206868f3bac3&start=6143&end=6726","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5677556-1150c0b62c8a090ea871206868f3bac3/thumbnail_6143000.jpg","/articles/6135035/Merced-County/California/County-to-seek-independent-review-of-employee-health-plans-CEO-to-release-RFP-for-consultant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6135035-b7ef4a193cd83a8fa0f2a39a8e038341/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433277&Signature=KD7fAJP1nrkfXj19NvKbCu7oWO2Fq0-qKqN-sZOOOw0V3m2DaQZ6rRHIrdv7rv2gkRMpYqrxSo~CijVRLVzrbJvkAS4WOvvHfbKPO0OqIgbEypjQx4V4Qxi9mEtdOerGyuzhGAzdaQVWz8xLSUyMlNMDWHjNT68NQJDodyYF6TKXidwHbCEW3lbxI5WhPScPMjC7rrUyaFSTk2cQr51TH~RAbnu4NsVBbkHONLubYyuNtI9EZHrsOzIYz3uRM5l71C8cAnHLmoCkb0Faz3UPddJ8fH5CBSXoB3SyjO1AaISkV2mT4MFrjmPXyjUhGhY7xsHZ6XIQncTeQzWKM9-bDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Merced County leaders on Aug. 26 authorized the CEO to release a request for proposals (RFP) for an independent review of the county’s employee health plans, benefits spending and benchmarks.

County Executive Officer Mark Hendrickson told supervisors that rising health‑care costs have pressed both county budgets and employees in recent years and that the board does not set insurer rates. He recommended an independent third‑party evaluation of the county’s medical, dental, vision and ancillary benefits, utilization trends and plan performance so the county can consider options for plan design, vendor negotiations and contribution strategies.

“This assessment will provide objective recommendations to guide future plan design, vendor negotiations, potential employer‑employee contribution strategies, and overall benefit cost containment,” Hendrickson said. The county expects to solicit qualified consultants to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and return with a recommendation after a competitive procurement process.

Supervisors welcomed the step but also cautioned staff to manage expectations and noted procurement timing and plan year constraints. Supervisor Silvera asked staff and colleagues to “manage expectations” on timing and the potential for changes to take effect only with a future calendar year because health plans typically renew on Jan. 1.

The board approved the CEO’s recommendation unanimously and directed staff to release the RFP and return with a recommendation upon completion of the competitive process.","County Executive Officer Mark Hendrickson told the Board of Supervisors Aug. 26 that the county will release an RFP to hire an independent consultant to evaluate the county’s medical, dental and ancillary benefits and recommend changes to plan design, benchmarking and vendor negotiations; the board authorized the CEO to proceed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board tables decision on refuse‑hauler contract terminations after haulers cite investment concerns

Board holds public hearing on vacancies and recruitment; county reports higher vacancy rates in select health roles

Board approves one‑year trial leasing sheriff vehicles through Unified Fleet Services to speed up upfitting

County report: Merced agriculture supports nearly $10 billion in local economic activity, authors say

County to seek independent review of employee health plans; CEO to release RFP for consultant