Merced County board adopts 2025–2028 strategic plan; adds Delhi park action and agrees to regular reporting

The Merced County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt the county’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan after a presentation from Assistant County Executive Officer Mark Hendrickson. The board approved the plan with a friendly amendment to add an action item for a park in Delhi and requested regular progress reporting; staff recommended twice‑annual updates while at least one supervisor urged quarterly updates.

Hendrickson told the board the draft plan reflects more than 50 department deliverables tied to five board priorities identified at a February 2024 special meeting: customer service excellence, fiscal discipline and budget sustainability, revenue enhancement, quality of life and infrastructure. He described the plan as a three‑year roadmap that aligns departmental tactics with the board’s priorities and said staff would incorporate progress on the tactics into performance evaluations and provide periodic progress reports.

County Executive Officer Mendez thanked departments and staff for producing the draft and said the document builds on the county’s 2019 statement of mission, vision and values. Several supervisors praised staff for the work. Supervisor McDaniel said he supported more frequent reporting and suggested quarterly updates rather than the twice‑annual cadence Hendrickson proposed to improve accountability.

In public comment, speakers urged that the plan include a funding or action item for a park in Delhi. Supervisor Pereira moved to add the Delhi park action and the maker of the adoption motion accepted it as a friendly amendment. The clerk recorded the motion as passing.

Staff will implement the tactics identified in the plan, begin periodic reporting (staff recommended the first update at final budget in September) and incorporate measurable progress into departmental evaluations.