Board approves plans and bidding authorization for Social Services interview-room upgrades funded by CalAIM

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 14 approved a resolution adopting plans and specifications and authorizing public bidding for a Social Services office project to create new, ADA-compliant interview rooms at 2995 South Fourth Street, Suite 105.

Claudia Valadez, who coordinated the project, told the board Social Services requested Public Works assistance to retain an architect to design interview rooms that provide privacy and ADA compliance. Valadez noted the estimated project cost is $296,000 and that the county will solicit bids, with a nonmandatory pre-bid conference and walk-through scheduled for Oct. 19 and bid openings scheduled for Nov. 14. The goal is to award a contract in January 2026 and complete the work by May 2026.

Pollyanna, identified in the meeting as the director of Social Services, told supervisors the project is an eligible activity under CalAIM funding and that it will improve privacy and accessibility for clients, particularly older residents: “Yes. It is an, funding, it's an eligible active grant…ideally, it's to provide not only the ADA compliance, but a better service to our clients.”

Supervisor Ryan Elliot Kelly moved the item; Supervisor Martha Cardona Singh seconded. The motion carried.

Valadez said there is no impact to the county general fund because the work will be paid from CalAIM funds administered through Social Services. The board did not amend the funding source during the meeting.

If approved as planned, the project schedule calls for a January 2026 contract award and an estimated completion date of May 2026.