Merced County Grand Jury
2018-2019
Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
That the JLCF is in an advanced state of decay.
F2:
That the county has received a $40 million grant in 2015 for the phase one (1) upgrading of the facility and the County has allocated $5 million in funds to upgrade the facility.
F3:
That no funds have been released to begin the project based on unfulfilled conditions of approval.
F4:
That no sources have been identified for the implementation of phase 2 providing for the replacement of the Main Jail and facilities at JLCF.
F5:
That the County has new, or modified, contracts for the commissary and medical services.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
That the maintenance staff be increased to maintain facility and address issues in a timely manner. 11
R2:
That the County put the highest priority on completing the grant requirements needed for release of the funding so construction can begin on Phase one (1).
R3:
That the Board of Supervisors identify funding sources for the implementation of Phase two (2). Phase two (2) will replace jail facilities at both the JLCF and the Main Jail in downtown Merced. REQUEST FOR RESPONSE(S) Pursuant to Penal Code Section 933.05, the following responses are requested: • Merced County Board of Supervisors respond to F1, F2, F3, F4, R1, R2 and R3 within 90 days. • Merced County Sheriff Vernon Warnke respond to F1, F2, F3, F4, R1, R2, and R3 within 60 days.
Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
That the Department has a commitment to provide for the needs of the homeless and mentally ill community in their city. 14
F2:
That the facility is inadequate for the needs of the Department.
F3:
That the officers are provided with overdose reversal drug dispensers as standard equipment.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
That the Department publicize their Citizen’s Police Academy more widely. (F3) REQUEST FOR RESPONSE(S) Pursuant to Penal Code Section 933.05, the following responses are requested. City of Merced respond to F1,F2 and R1 and R2 within ninety (90)days Merced Police Department respond to F3 and R3 within 60 days.
F4:
That the officers are provided with overdose reversal drug dispensers as standard equipment.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The home page of the main website for County of Merced should provide the current salaries and benefits of all Merced County officials and employees. (F4, F5) 32 REQUEST FOR RESPONSE(S) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, the grand jury requests responses as follows: From the following individuals: The Merced County Board of Supervisors respond to F4, F5, R1, R2, R3, and R4 within 90 days.
F5:
That dispatch has camera surveillance of the City at approximately twelve (12) strategic points but has no direct camera surveillance of the fifteen (15) schools in Los Banos.
Related Recommendations (3)
R2:
That existing school video surveillance be connected to the dispatch network system. (F5) 23 REQUEST FOR RESPONSE(S) Pursuant to Penal Code Section 933.05, the following responses are requested. • Los Banos City Council respond to F4, F5, R1, and R2 within 90 days.
R4:
The home page of the main website for County of Merced should provide the current salaries and benefits of all Merced County officials and employees. (F4, F5) 32 REQUEST FOR RESPONSE(S) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, the grand jury requests responses as follows: From the following individuals: The Merced County Board of Supervisors respond to F4, F5, R1, R2, R3, and R4 within 90 days.
R5:
That the Road Department review all Road Impact Fees to determine if increases are warranted based on the construction cost index as published in the Engineering News Record as allowed by each contract and attempt collection for any delinquent accounts. (F5) REQUEST FOR RESPONSE(S) Pursuant to Penal Code §933.05, the grand jury requests responses as follows: From the following individuals: Merced County Public Works Director/Roads Commissioner respond to F3, F4, F5, F6,
F6:
MCBOS pay pursuant to Ordinance 1825 is slightly lower (about 1.5%) than it would be if Ordinance 1825 (2007) had not been adopted and Merced County still followed Ordinance 1647 (2000).
F7:
In 2007 when Ordinance 1825 was adopted it did satisfy the requirement of public input. Specifically, multiple public meetings were publicly noticed for the discussion, introduction, and adoption of Ordinance 1825.
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
That the Atwater City Council actively search for additional funding to relocate or rebuild a facility to adequately meet the needs of the police department. REQUEST FOR RESPONSE(S) Pursuant to Penal Code Section 933.05, the following responses are requested. • Atwater City Council respond to F2 and R1 within 90 days.