County approves consultant contract to implement Medi‑Cal administrative activities program

County staff presented a professional services agreement with a consultant (referred to in the transcript as Mr. Paul or Paul Hall) to assist Sierra County with initial implementation of the Medi‑Cal administrative activities (MAA) reimbursement program. Staff said the contract carries no cost to the county until the county receives federal program reimbursement.

The consultant will support initial implementation tasks and coach an in‑house employee to assume coordinator responsibilities once the program is established, with the goal of avoiding a long‑term contract once reimbursable operations commence. The agreement cap was stated as $35,000 and board counsel had reviewed the contract prior to inclusion on the agenda.

Board members asked whether it was appropriate for the contract to be between the county and the consultant rather than the state; staff said this is how other small counties are implementing the program and that options for percentage‑based invoicing exist. The board moved, seconded and approved the agreement by roll call (supervisors answered 'Aye').

The motion and vote as recorded on the public record authorized staff to proceed with the professional services agreement to implement MAA work and to return if amendments are necessary.