County approves AIA contract with Pinnacle for SUD campus design, contingent on operator agreement
August 06, 2025 | Wasco County, Oregon
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Wasco County commissioners on Aug. 6 authorized county management to finalize an American Institute of Architects (AIA) contract with Pinnacle Architecture for the Phase 1 work on a crisis resolution campus that currently prioritizes a 16‑bed residential substance-use disorder (SUD) facility and related site development.
Tyler Stone, who presented the request, said the project scope was revised after recent state policy changes (including the IMD determination) that removed the secure-residential behavioral-health option from available funding. The contract package covers Phase 1A (site development) and Phase 1B (design for the SUD facility and stabilization), with an overall architect compensation table included in the AIA documents.
Stone said the county has a funding target tied to restricted state dollars (roughly $4.5 million, with a project spending target of June 2026) and that some flexibility and contingency are needed as the project evolves. The county will not sign the contract until Mid Columbia Center for Living (MCCFL), the anticipated operator, confirms it will operate the facility and finalizes a management agreement. Stone asked the board to authorize him to sign the architect contract when those conditions are met.
Commissioners discussed potential off-ramps, the need for a final pro forma from MCCFL to ensure operational sustainability (the SUD component typically has reimbursement; the 23‑hour crisis receiving piece currently lacks an established reimbursement mechanism), and the importance of coordinating with the CCO and other partners for operations funding.
Action: The board voted unanimously to approve the contract with Pinnacle and give Tyler authority to execute the agreement contingent upon a formal operating agreement with Mid Columbia Center for Living.
Why it matters: The project is intended to expand local SUD treatment and crisis stabilization resources. Staff cautioned that funding and operator commitments must be finalized before construction documents and bids proceed.
What’s next: County and MCCFL will finalize a management agreement and a pro forma cost model; if MCCFL confirms operations and funding commitments, county management will execute the architect contract and proceed with site development and design work.
Tyler Stone, who presented the request, said the project scope was revised after recent state policy changes (including the IMD determination) that removed the secure-residential behavioral-health option from available funding. The contract package covers Phase 1A (site development) and Phase 1B (design for the SUD facility and stabilization), with an overall architect compensation table included in the AIA documents.
Stone said the county has a funding target tied to restricted state dollars (roughly $4.5 million, with a project spending target of June 2026) and that some flexibility and contingency are needed as the project evolves. The county will not sign the contract until Mid Columbia Center for Living (MCCFL), the anticipated operator, confirms it will operate the facility and finalizes a management agreement. Stone asked the board to authorize him to sign the architect contract when those conditions are met.
Commissioners discussed potential off-ramps, the need for a final pro forma from MCCFL to ensure operational sustainability (the SUD component typically has reimbursement; the 23‑hour crisis receiving piece currently lacks an established reimbursement mechanism), and the importance of coordinating with the CCO and other partners for operations funding.
Action: The board voted unanimously to approve the contract with Pinnacle and give Tyler authority to execute the agreement contingent upon a formal operating agreement with Mid Columbia Center for Living.
Why it matters: The project is intended to expand local SUD treatment and crisis stabilization resources. Staff cautioned that funding and operator commitments must be finalized before construction documents and bids proceed.
What’s next: County and MCCFL will finalize a management agreement and a pro forma cost model; if MCCFL confirms operations and funding commitments, county management will execute the architect contract and proceed with site development and design work.
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