Report Prepared by: Scott McBride, City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Restated Joint Powers Agreement of the Transit Powers Authority for Merced County
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving restated Joint Powers Agreement of the Transit Powers Authority for Merced County; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Restated Joint Powers Agreement of the Transit Powers Authority for Merced County; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than as recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting.
DISCUSSION
The Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County (TJPA) was established in 1995 to coordinate and administer regional public transit services across Merced County jurisdictions. The Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) is the lead agency that administers transit on behalf of all the TJPA members.
The most recent version of the TJPA Joint Powers Agreement was adopted in 2013. The existing JPA document has expired and requires an updated agreement to be executed between each member agency.
The proposed 2026 Restated Joint Powers Agreement modernizes and clarifies the governance, powers, and administrative structure of the TJPA. The updated document restates the original 1995 agreement and its amendments, consolidating all prior authority of the County and the Cities of Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos, and Merced to jointly plan, finance, administer, and operate public transit services within the countywide service area. As stated in the agreement, the member agencies “possess in common the authority to plan, adopt, finance, administer, and operate equipment and facilities” and “to do all acts necessary to participate in federal programs and receive federal funds.”
Key provisions of the Restated JPA include:
• Continuation of the TJPA as an independent public entity, with assets, liabilities, and obligations belonging to the Authority.
• Updated governance structure, confirming representation form each city and all five County Supervisors, and outlining officer roles, rotation, and administrative support provided through MCAG.
• Clear articulation of TJPA powers, including the ability to contract, acquire property, administer transit programs, issue revenue bonds, and accept state and federal funding.
• Financial administration requirements, including budgeting, auditing, treasury functions, and indemnification provisions.
• Updated withdrawal and termination procedures, requiring full satisfaction of liabilities and unanimous consent for termination.
The updated agreement does not alter the city’s representation on the TJPA Board, nor does it impose new financial obligations beyond those already associated with participation in regional transit operations. Approval of the Restated JPA ensures continued compliance with state law governing joint powers authorities and maintains the city’s role in regional transit governance.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Restated Joint Powers Agreement of the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County (TJPA)
2. 2013 Restated Joint Powers Agreement