Merced County supervisors to consider federal funding for Sheriff’s Department

By Ramona Giwargis, Merced Sun-Star -

The Merced County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday is scheduled to consider approving an additional $15,000 in federal funding for the Sheriff’s Department to combat illegal marijuana grows.

The funding comes from the Drug Enforcement Administration and would pay for overtime, training and the department’s aviation unit.

This federal program, now in its seventh year, helps the county pay for operation expenses and equipment for the eradication of illegal marijuana.

The $15,000 is in addition to $75,000 already allotted to the Sheriff’s Department, but “due to the significant amount of illegal marijuana being grown in the Central Valley, the DEA recognizes the need for additional funding,” according to county documents.

Supervisors will also consider accepting a $1,300 donation earmarked for the Sheriff’s Department canine unit.

In a separate agenda item, the board is required to respond to Merced County Grand Jury recommendations. Supervisors will consider approving a response letter on Tuesday.

The grand jury inspected John Latorraca Correctional Center on Sandy Mush Road and recommended that the county determine whether the facility can handle an increasing population of higher-risk inmates.

The board responded by saying it approved a plan last month to pursue grant funding through Senate Bill 1022 to build a new jail, which will house more inmates and improve security.

The supervisors will also view a presentation about childhood obesity before considering adopting a proclamation to declare September to be Childhood Obesity Awareness Month in Merced County.

The board will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday on the third floor of the Merced County Administration Building, 2222 M St., Merced.