LOS BANOS, Calif. — The Los Banos City Council met on May 21, 2025, to consider a range of issues including infrastructure projects, a regional partnership for water sustainability, audit results from the 2023-24 fiscal year, and public concerns about homelessness. The meeting featured detailed presentations and active discussion, culminating in the approval of several key resolutions and plans.
Public Forum Highlights Homeless Encampment and Infrastructure Concerns
The meeting opened with public comment from residents concerned about the city’s homeless encampment. Several speakers called for immediate changes to how the site is managed, citing issues related to trash, safety, crime, and the lack of a clear exit plan. One resident mentioned a recent incident in which a woman was injured, using the event to underscore the need for a more structured and enforceable policy.
Cyclist and pedestrian safety was another topic raised, with speakers pointing to dangerous street conditions, including broken storm drains and gaps in bike lanes. One resident submitted a detailed list of problem areas around town and asked that the city prioritize infrastructure repairs, especially for those who rely on walking or biking as a primary mode of transportation.
Council Approves Water Recharge Project with Grassland Water District
The council unanimously approved Resolution No. 6933, establishing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Grassland Water District to jointly manage a new stormwater recharge and storage basin. The 160-acre site, located northeast of the city, can store up to 500 acre-feet of water and is intended to provide mutual benefits to both the city and the district.
According to the city’s engineering staff, the basin will improve flood control, provide water credits to the city, and help stabilize supply for nearby agricultural operations. A statement from the general manager of the Grassland Water District praised the city’s leadership and called the partnership “the first of hopefully many” water capture projects in the region.
Presentation on Aging and Disability-Friendly Plan Outlines Countywide Goals
The council received a presentation from P Street Consulting regarding Merced County’s draft Aging and Disability-Friendly Action Plan. The five-year plan aims to prepare communities for a growing population of older adults and residents with disabilities by focusing on transportation, communications, affordable housing, and public safety.
The consultant described extensive outreach efforts, including focus groups with over 300 residents countywide. The plan includes 14 initial project recommendations, such as volunteer driver programs, subsidized home repairs, expanded community activities, improved pedestrian safety, and greater representation of seniors and individuals with disabilities in civic leadership roles. City council members responded positively to the presentation and emphasized the importance of coordination between the city and the county on future implementation.
Council Holds Public Hearing on Employee Vacancy Report
A public hearing was held in compliance with Assembly Bill 2561, requiring annual reports on city job vacancies. As of May 1, Los Banos had 15 full-time vacancies out of 199 authorized positions, a 7.5% vacancy rate.
The report, delivered by the city’s Human Resources Director, explained that most vacant positions were already in the process of being filled. The city has taken steps to remain competitive in recruiting, including recent salary adjustments and multi-year agreements with all bargaining groups. No action was required from the council beyond acknowledging the report.
Independent Audit Confirms Clean Financial Report for 2023-24
The council approved Resolution No. 6934, formally accepting the city’s fiscal year 2023-24 audit. An independent auditor from Price Paige & Company presented findings, which included an unmodified, or “clean,” opinion on the city’s financial statements. No material deficiencies were identified in the audit of internal controls, federal compliance, or financial reporting.
The auditor praised city staff for strong fiscal management, highlighting a $3 million increase in general fund balance over the past year. The audit found that the city ended the fiscal year with approximately $44 million in general fund reserves, with $22 million unassigned and available for future use.
Council Cancels July 2 Meeting, Sets Design Standards Workshop
The council voted to cancel its July 2, 2025 meeting due to the Independence Day holiday. In addition, city staff announced a joint workshop between the Planning Commission and City Council scheduled for May 29 at 5:00 p.m. at the Los Banos Community Center. The workshop will focus on updating community design standards and is open to the public.
Fire Station No. 4 and Infrastructure Updates Provided
The Fire Department reported that design planning continues for Fire Station No. 4, which will be located behind Walmart and include a new Emergency Operations Center. The station will also feature space for technical rescue training and serve as a regional resource during emergencies. A community information day is being planned to engage residents in the project’s development.
Public Works staff reported that the intersection of Ortigalita Road and Pioneer Road will undergo a full shutdown for major construction in the coming weeks. The street is expected to reopen by late June, with project completion set for later this year.
Economic Development and Retail Recruitment Efforts Reported
The Community and Economic Development Department reported on its recent participation in the International Council of Shopping Centers convention in Las Vegas. Staff met with retailers, brokers, and developers to promote Los Banos as a retail destination. Past attendance at this event has contributed to businesses such as Ross, Marshalls, and Dutch Bros choosing to locate in the city.
Staff also provided updates on several projects, including a site plan review hearing scheduled for May 28 for a 58-unit permanent supportive housing project on Gilbert Gonzalez Drive. The project is being funded in part through state homelessness grants.
Credit Card System Expansion and Park Improvements Announced
The Finance Department announced that credit card payments are now accepted at all city departments ahead of the planned July deadline. Meanwhile, the Parks and Recreation Department reported the soft opening of the new Sunrise Ranch Park and ongoing upgrades at Shaughnessy Village and Regency Park. City officials also noted progress on shade structures and playground installations at various locations.
Police and Fire Departments Address Community Safety and National Recognition
The Police Department addressed recent public concerns about an incident at the homeless encampment. Staff confirmed that the woman involved is recovering and that arrangements are being made for her to transition into a respite facility in Merced. Officers will be conducting cleanup activities at the site, and the department acknowledged National Police Week, recognizing the contributions of local law enforcement.
The Fire Department reported on the success of its recent “Fill the Boot” fundraiser and smoke detector installation event in partnership with the American Red Cross.
City Manager Commits to Homeless Workshop and Transparency
City Manager Gary Brizzee confirmed that a public workshop focused on homelessness will be scheduled for June. He emphasized that the city is working with county and state agencies to address encampments legally and safely, but reiterated that limited funding and a lack of available shelter options remain obstacles.
Brizzee also addressed community concerns over portable buildings in the city parking lot, explaining that the city has notified the vendor of contract termination and is pursuing removal. Regarding traffic signal concerns along Highway 152, staff explained that the city continues to work with Caltrans, though adjustments to signal timing can create delays in other directions and require a coordinated effort.
Council Members Share Updates and Call for Policy Changes
During council reports, members shared experiences from recent events and out-of-town advocacy trips. Several council members highlighted the need for state-level policy reforms around mental health treatment and housing, emphasizing that cities are being left with mandates but without the necessary funding to support them.
One council member requested a report from Public Works outlining street repairs scheduled over the next six months. Another asked that the city study time-limited parking on Sixth Street to address downtown parking shortages.
Council Takes Final Action on Disability Retirement, Adjourns to Joint Meeting
In a brief closed session, the council approved Resolution No. 6935, related to a CalPERS industrial disability retirement. The meeting adjourned with a reminder that the next session will take place on May 29 at 5:00 p.m. at the Los Banos Community Center for a joint workshop with the Planning Commission to discuss citywide design standards. Residents are encouraged to attend and offer input.
