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Modoc County approves road materials contract, youth-treatment agreement and equipment purchase
Summary
At its May 26 meeting the Modoc County Board approved a Knife River Northwest agreement for aggregate screenings, authorized a contract with Open Line Group Homes for youth mental-health treatment, and approved the purchase of a used water truck from the Lookout Fire Protection District; staff clarified limits on local preference in federally funded procurements.
During the May 26 Modoc County Board of Supervisors meeting, the board approved multiple procurement items and a budget modification that county staff said are intended to support this summer's road and public-safety operations.
Knife River contract: The board authorized the chair to sign an agreement with Knife River Northwest for aggregate screenings to support chip-seal projects running May 26 through Oct. 26, 2026. Mitch Crosby, Road Department, described the contract as the chip-seal material bid for summer projects and noted county counsel had asked that duplicate indemnification language be consolidated. "There was duplicate language in there that he was able to put into one section," Crosby said.
Open Line Group Homes: Stacey Spire, Director of Health Services, asked the board to approve a contract with Open Line Group Homes, Inc., a short-term residential treatment program in Redding, to cover specialty mental-health services provided to a youth placed there in July 2025. Spire said the county learned of the placement after discharge and began contract negotiations and credentialing upon receiving the bill; staff said an amendment adjusting rates to new state levels is expected next month.
Water truck purchase: The board approved purchase of a used 1998 Freightliner water truck from the Lookout Fire Protection District not to exceed $26,812.50. Crosby said county mechanics inspected the unit and that the truck is in good condition; supervisors discussed whether anticipated low annual mileage could preserve current CARB exemptions.
Procurement and local preference: In public comment a resident asked why the county was not giving local preference on certain contracts. Mr. Robertson (administration) clarified that changes to federal procurement rules and the funding source matter: the federal Acquisition Regulations amended under the bipartisan infrastructure law do not create a blanket local-preference allowance for all federally funded projects. "It's not a simple answer...you have to look at the funding stream," Robertson said, and staff said they would consult county counsel for guidance on where local preference can lawfully apply.
Budget modification: The board also approved a $20,000 modification to the Forest Reserve Fund to help the community through the fire season while Title III funds and state grants are sorted.
Outcome: All items on the consent agenda and the purchase were approved by voice vote. Several staff members said follow-up amendments (Open Line rates) or legal review (local preference guidance) are expected.
