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Planada residents press Merced County for accounting of $20 million in flood-recovery funds
Summary
Planada homeowners told the Board of Supervisors they still lack assessments or repairs months after state funds were allocated and asked for transparent accounting of a $20 million recovery allocation; county staff scheduled an update for April 8.
Planada residents told the Merced County Board of Supervisors on March 25 that many homes affected by recent flooding remain unrepaired and that county and partner agencies have not followed up on repeated requests for assistance.
"It has affected my health," said homeowner Liza Espinosa, who said she continues to clean mold and has not received follow-up from county staff, Catholic Charities, Self Help, or Habitat for Humanity since Jan. 27. Alicia Rodriguez, speaking for Planada residents, said the community is asking where $20,000,000 in state recovery funds has gone, asserting that only about $5,000,000 appears to have been distributed to residents and that roughly $15,000,000 lacks public accounting.
County staff responded that the administration will present a status update at the April 8 board meeting and noted that required reports submitted to the state are available on the county website. Staff encouraged residents to attend the April 8 meeting for the latest information.
Speakers at the March 25 meeting requested an oversight committee and more transparent, regular reporting to Planada residents; county staff said they would provide an update and that a report is required to the state.
