Merced County eviction moratorium seems unlikely after debate. Coronavirus cases hit 74
A stronger local eviction moratorium in Merced County appeared unlikely Tuesday, following a discussion by the Board of Supervisors.
Meanwhile, confirmed coronavirus cases in Merced County rose to 74 Tuesday, up from 69 the previous day, according to County Public Health.
Like the previous board meeting earlier this month, Tuesday’s informational item about the idea of a local eviction moratorium generated the bulk of public comment. But unlike the meeting before, the issue elicited comments from landlords fearful of losing their livelihood.
Many do not believe they are adequately protected by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent executive order halting evictions for those affected by coronavirus.
Bill Baker, property management company and rental home owner, was among those who spoke against the moratorium idea.
“I, and all the owners I represent, are compassionate, responsible landlords with varying degrees of . . . mortgages, insurance, maintenance, utilities, taxes and other fees that do not go away if a tenant fails to pay their rent,” he said
“Almost every single owner has come to the same agreement . . . we will work with (tenants) either by discounting, delaying or even in some special cases forgiving their rent temporarily to assist them in getting through this difficult time.”
Many Merced County landlords are retirees who depend on the money, noted Atwater City Councilmember and Realtor Brian Raymond during public comment.
Still, the majority of comments came from residents asking that the county enact a “true” eviction moratorium. Several suggested a rent forgiveness program or county rent fund.
But most Merced County Supervisors seemed to agree with landlords, noting existing protections from the state and federal level during COVID-19.
“We’re not a wealthy county,” Supervisor Daron McDaniel said. “We can’t pay folks’ rent.”
Supervisor Scott Silveira said the property and sales taxes that sustain the county are flowing in slower during the pandemic. “Nothing is free, folks. Free died a long time ago,” said Silveira. “All that free means is that someone else is paying for it.”
Supervisor Lee Lor requested that information about housing-related resources be included in the coming COVID-19 updates, but said that making a decision about a local ordinance in addition to the existing eviction moratorium is premature.
Local eviction moratoriums have been adopted recently in other Valley communities. Fresno City Council unanimously passed a one month eviction and foreclosure moratorium, allowing residents six months to catch up.
Medical supplies remain low
City-specific numbers for communities with five or more COVID-19 cases were released for the first time Monday, with Los Banos in the lead. Two more cases were added to the City’s tally Tuesday, claiming 27 of the total 74 cases.
During Tuesday’s update, the county noted that five additional people fully recovered from COVID-19, meaning they’ve been symptom free with no medication for 72 hours. The total number of recoveries cases in Merced County stands at 23 as of Tuesday, County Public Health reported.
County Public Health updated the Board of Supervisors about the current state of COVID-19 in Merced County during Tuesday’s meeting.
The update reported that the county’s current capacity of hospital beds stands at 224, ICU beds at 24 and ventilators at 31, with about 13 additional ventilators possibly available.
If Merced County residents maintain at least 30% reduction in contact with social distancing, officials expect the peak of infections to hit around June. Less social distancing means a sooner peak, overwhelming the healthcare system further, Public Health officials say.
Assuming a 30% reduction is physical contact through preventative social distancing efforts, medical resources in Merced County still fall short. Projections under these circumstances estimate a need for 526 hospital beds, 203 ICU beds and 150 ventilators, leaving the county hundreds of items short, the report noted.
The only Personal Protective Equipment in ample supply is N95 masks, according to County Public Health. Testing kits remain low in the county and nationally.
“All other supplies are low or critical low or nonexistent,” the presentation said.
This story was originally published April 14, 2020 at 6:20 PM.
