Public Safety Subcommittee 9.22.2026

The City of Merced Public Safety Subcommittee met on September 22, 2026 (the metadata lists September 23 UTC). The Fire Chief reviewed the automatic-aid agreement with Merced County for fire and emergency services in unincorporated areas adjacent to the city. The agreement’s 2026 payment is $328,000, following a first-year amount of $315,000 and a 4% increase; it is scheduled to expire December 31, 2026. The Chief said the current payment may be below the city’s costs: Squad 53’s estimated all-in annual cost is about $1.4 million, and the Chief estimated the city’s share of the benefit at roughly $700,000–$750,000. Subcommittee members supported pursuing a six-month extension to allow more time for budget planning and negotiations. Staff will discuss the extension with the County and report back, potentially in late October. No agreement extension or spending action was approved at this meeting.

Police staff presented bicycle, e-bike, and scooter safety and proposed changes to the municipal code that could allow unsafe or illegally operated bicycles and e-bikes to be impounded, with a hearing and release process, possible fees, and rider education requirements. The subcommittee supported staff developing a draft with the City Attorney and returning it to Council; staff will also examine storage arrangements and whether towing contractors could participate. These were planning directions, not contract awards or purchasing approvals. The subcommittee also discussed recurring meeting dates and minutes procedures. The only formal motion recorded was to adjourn.