New home in Salida for Stanislaus County health agency. No more leaky buildings
Stanislaus County leaders approved an agreement to purchase a Salida building for Health Services Agency administrative offices.
The county will pay $8.32 million to purchase the multistory building from Northpoint Office Towers LLC. An additional $4.8 million will pay for improvements and furnishings for the offices.
The county health agency historically occupied the former county hospital buildings on Scenic Drive in Modesto. Since major water leaks at the former hospital in 2016, the Health Services Agency has used modular buildings, a former print shop and leased facilities.
The agency worked on acquiring a new facility for administration and public health programs, with an assessment identifying the need for 45,000 to 50,000 square feet of space. Construction costs for such a building, estimated at $50 million, persuaded the county to look at other options.
In January, county supervisors approved a lease for 21,696 square feet at 5330 Pirrone Avenue in Salida, which included an option to purchase.
Last week, the Board of Supervisors approved a consent item for purchase of one of two buildings at the Pirrone location, measuring 45,000 square feet. The $8.3 million purchase is 12% less than the original asking price, a county staff report said.
The county department that led the COVID-19 response in 2020 to 2023 will have a home again for administrative and public health staff. The locations for health clinics and the Women, Infant & Children progam won’t change.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to bring Health Services Agency staff back together in a shared location,” HSA Director Heather Duvall said by email. “This move will strengthen internal collaboration, improve operational efficiency and enhance our ability to support our programs, staff and the community.”
The county will take over five leases with private tenants, which generated $464,000 in annual revenue. The tenant leases expire between 2027 and 2034. Health services programs will be consolidated in the building as leases with the private tenants expire.
Administration, human resources, vital records and several public health programs will first occupy the building. Other programs supporting health clinics and public health divisions will move to the Salida facility when space is available.
About 125 health services employees will transfer to the office facility. The county report said $4.8 milion will pay for safety improvements, plumbing upgrades, county technology installations and other modifications.
A combination of public facility fees, public health project funds and Health Services Agency fund balance will cover the $13.2 million in costs.
