Commission authorizes county to prepay HRSA modular clinic for Mossy Head after board debate

Walton County commissioners voted unanimously to authorize steps to secure a modular clinic for Mossy Head that is funded through a HRSA award. The health department’s health officer, Holly Holt, said the federal award was specific to a movable modular building and estimated the modular cost at about $490,000.

Holt told commissioners the grant is targeted to community health centers and that the award requires a modular facility; modifying the grant to purchase a permanent structure would be difficult and would likely require a formal federal modification request. "This money will be gone and it's specific to a modular — a movable building," Holt said, adding that the county could consider future brick‑and‑mortar options if other funding is available.

Commissioners discussed site‑work and connection costs that could be additional to the $490,000 modular price and agreed the county could support site preparations if necessary at a later date. Several commissioners said they preferred a permanent building long‑term but supported moving ahead now to secure the grant funds and get services back into Mossy Head after prior facility loss. The board approved the motion to accept the modular arrangement and to allow finance staff to make necessary arrangements to prepay/advance the grant award and return details for connection/site costs, 5–0.

County staff and the department of health will continue conversations with the grant administrator about possible modifications and extensions, and staff will return with further details on site costs and potential federal permission steps.