TO: Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
FROM: David Johnson, Director
Department of Emergency Services
DATE: February 11, 2026
SUBJECT: Replacement Modular Unit for Fire Station 15
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BACKGROUND
In the spring of 2015, the Board ratified the County Administrator’s authorization of a purchase order for two modular dormitory units to serve as temporary fire stations facilities (one to replace Station 7, and the other for Station 1 during an extended period of renovation of the permanent facility). The units were manufactured in 2015, and cost $99,853 each.
ANALYSIS
In September of 2016, the modular unit used at Station 1 was relocated to the North County Aquatics Center (now Fran Adams Park), to serve as Fire Station 15. Recent water intrusion has led to structural damage, and evidence of mold has been unexpectedly identified, leaving the unit uninhabitable. Remediation has been determined to be cost prohibitive, and staff proposes to have the unit declared excess, and demolished. To continue to provide service the Vero Lake Estates area and 512 West corridor until a permanent Station 15 is constructed, staff would like to purchase a new modular unit. Design of the permanent Station 15 is being finalized, and after completion of construction, the new modular unit may be relocated to another future fire station site, or otherwise utilized within the County.
Staff requested quotes from several modular manufacturers, with the lowest quote, including manufacture, delivery, and installation, but excluding necessary site work, is $259,672. Quotes are available in the Emergency Management Department for review. The demolition and disposal of the condemned modular unit is $24,760, for a total project cost of $284,432. An additional 10%, or $28,443, in contingency is also requested for any currently unforeseen site or installation costs, bringing the total requested to $312,875.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Half of the modular unit ($129,836) will come from the Self Insurance/Risk Management/Other Insurance account, number 50224613-034590. The remaining half of the modular unit, demolition and disposal of condemned unit, and contingency funds ($183,039) will come from the Emergency Services District/Fire Rescue/Station 15 Modular Replacement account, number 11412022-066510-26043, for a total project cost of $312,875. A budget amendment will be completed to allocate these funds from Cash Forward in their respective funds.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Public Safety
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Board approve the unbudgeted capital purchase, edit the requirement for bids, and authorize the Procurement Division to issue a purchase order for the unit. Staff also recommends the Board declare the current modular unit, asset 28288 as excess, and authorize its demolition.