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Low bid for Mono County jail comes in under estimate; county still faces $4–5 million funding gap
Summary
The low construction bid for the county jail project was roughly $30.5 million, below the county estimate but still leaving a multi‑million‑dollar gap. Staff said the Board will consider contract award paperwork on May 13 while continuing work on bond approvals and public outreach.
Mono County staff announced on Tuesday that the low construction bid for the county jail project was about $30.5 million — below the most recent estimate but still short of the county’s total project budget and financing needs.
Why it matters: The county’s replacement jail is a multi‑year capital project. The low bid shortens the gap to an estimated $4–5 million from previous projections near $7 million, but the board and staff must still secure financing and state approvals before construction can begin.
What staff said: Public Works Director Paul Raton told the board the bid opening on April 30 produced a low bidder and that the bid tab and required Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) materials are being reviewed. Raton said county staff expect to present a contract award recommendation for board action on May 13 and that the BSCC will consider bond‑related items before a final contract notice to proceed.
Funding gap: Raton estimated the current funding shortfall at roughly $4–5 million, down from earlier estimates. Finance Director Janet Dutcher reminded the board that the county holds an $814,000 contingency in fund balance earmarked for the jail project that can reduce the immediate gap.
Procurement and schedule: The county plans to seek final approvals from the BSCC and related state entities. Staff said the contractor identified as the apparent low bidder previously completed a similar project in Napa and brought experience the county expects to benefit from. Staff and the Sheriff’s Office plan a public meeting in June (tentatively June 18) to provide a project update for residents; staff said construction start would be targeted for mid‑August pending necessary approvals.
Next steps: The board will be asked to consider the conditional contract award and bond approval steps in the upcoming meeting calendar. Staff said they will continue public outreach and bring updated financing options back to the board if required.
Ending: County officials called for continued public engagement on the project and said they will return with a recommended contract award and more detailed financing information at the next meeting.
