Contracts / County
Construction project · approved February 10, 2026
High Desert Mental Health Urgent Care Center delayed-egress project
LA County · Public Works, for the Department of Mental Health
What it pays for and how it works
This action creates and funds a $870,000 Public Works project (Capital Project No. 8A146) to replace the door-locking system at the High Desert Mental Health Urgent Care Center, which the Department of Mental Health operates. Public Works built the center and finished it in September 2020. During the review required for licensing, the County Fire Department found the locking system was incompatible with the building's use under licensing rules.
The project remodels door hardware and electronic security in patient care areas, redesigns the locking system and remodels the existing delayed-egress hardware. Delayed-egress locks hold an exit door closed for a short, set time after someone pushes it, then release. The Board letter says the work improves patient safety, secures fire clearance and reduces County liability.
Public Works delivers the work through a Board-approved Job Order Contract, a pre-competed contract for smaller construction jobs. The budget includes $400,000 for construction, $10,000 in Job Order Contract fees, $60,000 for change orders, $35,000 in contingency, $5,000 for civic art, $42,000 for plans and specifications, $18,000 for consultants, $6,000 in miscellaneous costs, $25,000 for plan check and permits and $269,000 for County services. The enclosure's subtotal lines show $515,000 and $865,000. The line items add to $870,000, which matches the recommendation. The schedule shows construction from March 2026, substantial completion in July 2026 and final acceptance in August 2026. The Board item (Item 37, File 26-0820, Supervisorial District 5) passed 4-0, with Supervisor Solis absent.
Where the money comes from
The project is paid by an $870,000 FY 2025-26 appropriation adjustment from obligated fund balance in the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Fund, in the portion committed for Capital Facilities and Technological Needs. The MHSA is a State tax on high personal incomes that funds county mental health services. Counties may set part of their share aside for capital facilities and technology. The Board letter states there is no net County cost. The balance of the committed fund was not found.
Records
- The official record with this amount
- Board letter, High Desert Mental Health Urgent Care Center Delayed Egress Project, Capital Project No. 8A146 (Board document 212123) County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works · official record
Approved amounts are the most that can be spent, not money already paid. Payments show up later in the City's Checkbook L.A. or the County's expenditure data.
Approved the same day
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