The Merced County Board of Supervisors on July 22 approved annual military equipment use reports and renewed ordinances for both the District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office, in compliance with Assembly Bill 481 and related Government Code provisions.

Anna Hazel, chief investigator for the District Attorney, presented the DA’s annual military equipment inventory and said the office had posted its report on June 20, 2025, and given public notice on July 10. Hazel asked the board to renew Ordinance No. 2035, which adopts the DA’s military equipment use policy; the ordinance was originally adopted Oct. 24, 2023, and renewed Oct. 8, 2024.

“Happy to answer any questions that you might have,” Hazel said after briefing the board; the board opened and closed public comment without speakers and then approved the DA report and renewal by motion and voice vote.

Under Sheriff Corey Gibson presented the Sheriff’s Office report, saying the office had posted its policy and report on April 23, 2025, and published notice on July 10. Gibson said the county previously received federal surplus equipment but now owns most less‑lethal equipment; he told the board the process to acquire federal equipment has become more burdensome and that only about six previously loaned federal items remain in county inventory (examples cited included large items used for search and rescue).

Supervisor Darren McDaniel asked about staff time to prepare the reports; Gibson said updating reports, websites and federal submissions takes “staff quite a few hours” annually. McDaniel said the state’s reporting requirements amount to an unfunded mandate that burdens county staff.

The board opened public comment on the sheriff’s report, received no speakers, and approved the Sheriff’s Office annual report and renewal of Ordinance No. 2017 by motion. Both items passed on voice votes with no recorded opposition.

Authorities and statutes cited during the presentations included Assembly Bill 481 and Government Code sections 7070–7075, which require annual reporting and public notice for military equipment used by local law enforcement agencies. The DA’s office noted it had aligned its reporting timeline with the sheriff’s office to streamline future filings.

Provenance: DA presentation and action begins with Anna Hazel presenting at tc_start 00:46:37 (2797.52) and concludes with the board approval near tc_end 00:49:10 (2950.775); the Sheriff’s presentation begins at tc_start 00:49:22 (2962.59) and concludes with approval near tc_end 00:53:41 (3241.95).