Merced County boards weigh groundwater contracts, road projects, and land-use decisions in busy July stretch
Several Merced County advisory bodies and commissions held meetings between July 6 and July 16, 2026. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these sessions, the items below reflect what each body was scheduled to consider, not confirmed outcomes. The largest dollar figures appeared before the Merced Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency, which was set to act on a $246,674 contract amendment.
Groundwater agency considers $246,674 contract and allocation-rule changes
The Merced Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency board met July 9 and was scheduled to vote on a $246,674 amendment to its basinwide contract with Woodard and Curran for FY2026/27 support. The board was also set to approve $21,000 for Provost & Pritchard Consulting to continue subsidence benchmark monitoring.
Additional items on the agenda included changing the inactive-parcel designation deadline to May 1 and reopening the delineation period through August 31, 2026; reviewing appeals to reverse staff denials of alternative-source water credits for Modesto Properties, Inc. and JLP Ventures, LLC; and updating eligible precipitation in the Groundwater Accounting Platform by adding one inch.
Planning Commission takes up Hilmar and Delhi land-use requests
The Planning Commission met July 8 to hold public hearings on two items:
- **Zone Variance No. ZV26-001 / Minor Subdivision No. MS26-001** — would increase the maximum security parcel size to 7.9 acres and lower the minimum parcel size to 9.9 acres on the north side of West Williams Avenue (APN 017-170-005), zoned A-1 (General Agricultural). Staff recommended a CEQA categorical exemption.
- **Minor Subdivision No. MS26-004** — would create a 2.49-acre homesite from a 33.8-acre parcel on the south side of South Avenue (APN 046-143-015), zoned A-1. Staff recommended no further CEQA review.
Planada MAC reviews $910,000 road project and subdivision
The Planada Municipal Advisory Council met July 14 and was scheduled to receive an update on road infrastructure for Measure V, covering Santa Fe from Ash St. to E. Mission Ave., at a cost of $910,000. The council was also set to hear a presentation on Major Subdivision No. MAS26-002 at 9451 Krafft Rd. (APN 053-161-013) and to review the Housing Element map of Planada inventory sites S2 through S8.
First 5 Commission weighs long-range financial plan and service contracts
The First 5 Commission met July 13 and was scheduled to consider a Long-Range Financial Plan covering FY 26/27 through FY 30/31. The agenda also listed contracts with United Way of Merced County for the 211 Helpline, Exceptional Parents Unlimited for Help Me Grow, and HYPEN for a 2026-2031 Community Engagement and Communications Plan, plus an MOU between the Central California Alliance for Health and First 5 Merced County.
Behavioral Health Board hears Crisis Residential Unit presentation
The Behavioral Health Advisory Board met July 7 and was scheduled to approve minutes from a June 2, 2026 retreat and regular meeting, hear a presentation on Crisis Residential Unit services, and receive committee reports covering Substance Use Disorder, By-Laws, Membership, Board Development, and liaisons to QIC, MHSA, and Children's System of Care. Public comment was set at three minutes per speaker for non-agenda items.
Local advisory councils gather community updates
- **Le Grand MAC** (July 6): scheduled to hear reports from the Sheriff's Department, Fire Department, Planning Department, and Public Works on County Service Areas, Parks & Recreation, and Roads, plus a report from District One Supervisor Jim Pacheco.
- **Delhi MAC** (July 9): scheduled to hear a presentation by Cultiva Valle Central on health equity services and consider a volunteer request for a Back to School Booth on July 24, 2026.
- **Snelling MAC** (July 16): scheduled to review correspondence regarding RWA Integrated Waste Management, hear updates from Sheriff, CHP, and Fire Departments, and discuss a speed hump on Montgomery Street.
Castle Standing Committee meeting cancelled
The Castle Standing Committee's regular meeting scheduled for July 15, 2026 was cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.
Coming up
- **July 22 — Planning Commission**: Public hearings on two extension applications. EXT26-001 would extend the First Term Extension of Development Agreement DA19-001 from three to six years for a 458-acre low-density residential site between State Highway 33 and South Hilldale Avenue (zoned R-1-5000). EXT26-015 would extend Major Subdivision MAS21-004 (Hillcrest Estates) by two years to July 27, 2028, at the SW corner of East Old Lake Road and North Hillcrest Drive (APN 170-110-006, zoned R-R). Staff recommend no further CEQA review for both.
- **July 23 — Law Library Board**: 12:00 p.m. meeting includes review of library budget, income, and usage statistics; a public comment on a potential resource-sharing partnership presented by Deputy CEO Jane Van Volten; and a closed-session discussion of a salary adjustment for the Law Library Director.
- **July 23 — BHRS-MHSA Ongoing Planning Council**: Discussion of the BHSA Integrated Plan, county disparities, a suicide-prevention event, quarterly data, and the Behavioral Health Outcomes Transparency Accountability Report. No formal actions are listed.