Mono County approves modular replacement for Bridgeport 'Medic 7,' adds $52,320 in funding

On May 13, 2025, Mono County approved a contract with Box Modular Inc. (via Sourcewell) to replace the county’s Medic 7 facility in Bridgeport. The existing double-wide unit has reached the end of its useful life, county staff said, and the replacement will provide living quarters, a small triage room and two new offices to accommodate EMS leadership and staff.

Karen (department staff presenting the item) said the current unit cannot accommodate a workstation or provide triage space for walk-in patients and that the replacement will better meet operational needs. The project had been previously budgeted at $500,000. County budget staff reported an additional funding need of $52,320 to cover added office and clinic space and associated site work; staff said that $52,320 could be appropriated from interest earnings in fund 194 (a local projects fund) and that the unspent balance of fund 194 had accrued interest of about $378,000 as of March 2025.

Budget staff recommended including the additional amount as part of next fiscal year’s budget adoption (rollover or policy budget) rather than appropriating it in the current fiscal year, because significant amounts in the local projects fund are expected to carry forward. Board members asked about life expectancy (staff estimated 30–40 years) and whether this building type might inform future affordable-housing approaches; staff suggested the county could consider the model in housing ad hoc discussions.

Demolition of the existing unit can be done in‑house using public works labor; the contract covers design, fabrication and installation and excludes demolition hauling fees. County staff estimated the project could be complete by late fall 2025. The motion to approve the contract and associated actions passed on a 5–0 roll-call vote.

Staff will return with any budget appropriation language during the fiscal-year rollover or next budget cycle as recommended.