Merced County supervisors approve routine agenda items, reinstate behavioral-health contract and clear long-pending public works resolution

The Merced County Board of Supervisors on the meeting record approved a series of routine and departmental items covering public works, behavioral health, human services, the district attorney’s items, fire, elections, human resources, board appointments and other administrative matters (items 21–38). Most motions carried unanimously.

During public comment on public works items 21 and 22 a public commenter identified as Michelle urged the board to approve a resolution affecting her family’s monument business. Michelle said, "My family's been in the monument business since 1880. My dad's still working in chipping stones at 88," and described the approval as "30 years coming." The board then moved and seconded the public works items; the record shows the motion carried unanimously.

On behavioral health items 23 and 24, Supervisor Silvera noted that item 23 initially read as a termination of a contract with Dr. Bopari but then reinstated a new contract. Silvera said, "At first I read, approve the termination of a contract with Doctor. Bopari... And then if you read a little bit further, it was to reinstate a new contract. So I'm happy that we're able to do that." The board approved the item by the recorded vote.

Other items approved without extended discussion…