Chapter 2.36 — DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

The director of public works shall be the administrative head of the department of public works and also act as ex-officio road commissioner. The director shall administer the department and carry out the general policies of the board of supervisors in conformity with the estimate of expenditures in the budget as finally adopted by the board of supervisors or thereafter revised by appropriate action of the board of supervisors. The director shall employ such assistants and employees as may be necessary in conformity with the budget and county policies and procedures with respect to personnel, and subject to approval of the board of supervisors of the salary and/or other compensation to be paid. (Ord. 574, 1968)

The director shall be appointed by the majority of the board of supervisors. He shall serve at the pleasure of the board of supervisors and may be removed by a majority of the board of supervisors at any regular meeting of the board of supervisors. (Ord. 574, 1968)

• A. The director may purchase, lease or hire such equipment as may be necessary to perform the functions of the department in conformity with the budget and policies of the county with respect to purchase and subject to the approval of the board of supervisors as to price or rental cost.

• B. Where intra-governmental functions are performed for another department, unit or institution within the county government, proper costs and charges will be made.

• (Ord. 574, 1968)

The director of public works shall report directly to the board of supervisors and the county administrator in all administrative matters other than those falling under the jurisdiction of the road commissioner which are already defined by law. (Ord. 574, 1968)

Under the supervision of the board of supervisors and the county administrator and subject only to said board's direction, the director of public works shall have the full direct responsibility for the governmental functions set forth in this section under the general direction of the director of public works.

• A. To design, construct, and maintain county roads and streets throughout the unincorporated area of the county and on occasion, as required, provide necessary engineering services related thereto, and otherwise perform the duties of road commissioner as defined by law;

• B. To acquire property for highway and other county purposes as directed by the board of supervisors;

• C. The director of public works shall supervise and direct the operations and administration of the county parks and recreation division;

• D. To administer the maintenance, repairs, remodeling and housekeeping activities of all county properties and buildings that are under the jurisdiction of the board of supervisors;

• E. To furnish engineering, design and mapping services to all county agencies having public works projects;

• F. To supervise and administer county service areas and special districts within the jurisdiction of the board of supervisors;

• G. To control, inspect and define standards for subdivision development;

• H. The director of public works shall issue all encroachment and transportation permits and perform any and all inspections which may be incidental thereto;

• I. To administer the operation of the county service station for automotive equipment;

• J. To perform accounting and other clerical duties necessary to the department of public works;

• K. To perform any and all other services of a public works nature that may be ordered by the board of supervisors.

• (Ord. 574, 1968; Ord. 2002 § 1, 2021)

The parks and recreation superintendent of the county shall be subordinate to and responsible to the director of public works.

(Ord. 574, 1968)

• A. The office of Merced County Surveyor as an office is abolished as of January 5th, 1959.

• B. There now exists in the county the office of county road commissioner as provided by state law, which is an appointive office.

• (Ord. 367, 1957)

The county surveyor shall be appointed by the board of supervisors, and he shall be subordinate to and responsible to the director of the department of public works. (Ord. 574, 1968)

The director of public works shall have the full and sole supervision and jurisdiction over personnel and over the assignment of personnel engaged in departmental work. (Ord. 574, 1968)

No provision of this chapter shall be deemed or construed to grant any authority to or compose any duty upon the department of public works and/or the director of the department of public works which is vested or imposed by general law in or on any other county officer, board, commission, department or employee.

(Ord. 574, 1968)

CHAPTER 2.40 (REPEALED) (Repealed by Ordinance 1280, 1988)