DRIVE SAFE OUT THERE
The Modoc County Vol. 133, No. 18
RECORD Alturas, California
July 24, 2025
$1.00
Serving Modoc Since 1892 14 Pages
Federal Budget Cuts And The Impact On Modoc Medical Center By Modoc Medical Center Modoc Medical Center has had concerned community members ask about the financial impact of the H.R.1 “One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB)” that was signed into law by President Trump on July 4th. Some of these concerns stem from a letter by several U.S. Senators addressed President Trump and key Congressional leaders prior to the vote on the OBBB. The letter expressed concerns about rural facilities remaining financially viable with the proposed health care cuts included in the bill and cited a University of North Carolina report that analyzed the financial health of rural hospitals nationwide using public data. This report listed all rural hospitals in the top tenth percentile of facilities based on the volume of Medi-Cal (Medicaid) patients they serve. Since Modoc Medical Center (MMC) provides services to a large number of Medi-Cal patients, the
letter identified MMC as one of the “at-risk” rural hospitals in California. It is important to note that MMC was not listed as a result of any financial indicator that the organization is in any current financial distress. Nationally, the OBBB will reduce Medicaid spending by $1 trillion over the next decade. Provisions of the OBBB will be implemented over the course of the next several years, with changes of varying impact taking effect over multiple fiscal years. These changes are expected to have a substantial impact on MMC, where more than 50% of the organization’s net patient revenue comes from the Medi-Cal program. The enactment of the OBBB represents the largest Medicaid cut in U.S. history through sweeping structural changes to eligibility, enrollment, and financing. Given the scale of these cuts and the timing of implementation over the next few years, MMC
leadership is diligently assessing the impacts of OBBB provisions on an individual basis as federal and state guidance becomes available. “We are committed to understanding this bill in its entirety to better project the short and long-term financial
ramifications on MMC,” said MMC CEO Kevin Kramer. “While the financial impact of the federal budget cuts is significant, I am confident that we will be able to find a way to continue to provide high quality health care services in our community for many
more years to come.” Over the past decade, Modoc Medical Center has been fortunate to maintain a positive operating margin. Unlike many rural hospitals, MMC benefits from stable and reliable revenue sources, including a locally collected district
tax. While the federal budget cuts represent a significant challenge to all healthcare providers, MMC leadership remains hopeful that the cuts can be navigated in a way that will allow the organization to remain financially viable and continue to grow.
Two Fort Bidwell Residents Killed in SR-299 Crash Near County Road 195 A tragic collision on the night of July 9 claimed the lives of two Fort Bidwell residents when a red 2016 Nissan Versa veered off the roadway and overturned along SR-299, west of County Road 195. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) report, the crash occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m. as the vehicle traveled eastbound on SR299. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle’s driver
allowed it to drift off the south shoulder of the roadway. The car then plunged down a steep embankment, overturning multiple times before coming to rest. Both occupants of the vehicle, a 69-year-old male driver and a 79-yearold female passenger— both residents of Fort Bidwell—sustained fatal injuries at the scene. Their identities have not been publicly released, pending notification of next of kin. Their remains
were transported to Kerr Mortuary. The weather at the time was reported as clear and dry, with no indications of hazardous conditions. CHP investigators have stated that alcohol or drug impairment is not suspected to have played a role in the crash. As of now, authorities have not determined the speed at which the vehicle was traveling at the time of the incident. The investigation remains active.
City Council Talks Mill Lease, Dog Complaint, and more at June Meeting The Alturas City Council held its regular meeting June 17 at City Hall. All council members were present: Mayor Paul Minchella, Duanna Knighton, Jennifer Engel, Brian Cox and Jodie Larranaga. Staff included City Clerk Tacie Wheeler, Treasurer Dorothy Long, Public Works Director Warren Farnam and Police Chief Muller. Twelve members of the public attended. Kristy Sphar from Modoc County presented the Community Health Improvement Plan and asked for a city representative to join the monthly meetings. Council advised her to contact the clerk to be
added to the July agenda. Council approved the meeting agenda, minutes from May 20, May warrants totaling $251,058, a reconciliation report of $163,743.44, and removal of inactive utility accounts totaling $599.34. The Alturas Elks Lodge #1756 received approval to sell alcohol at this year’s Masten Ramsey event. Glenn Zane of High Desert Lumber discussed lease concerns. The company has invested roughly $1 million locally, including $650,000 in upgrades, but is facing difficulties securing funding for fire suppression
without a long-term lease. Zane asked for a 30-year agreement. Councilmember Brian Cox said the city attorney advised against a lease of that length. Zane proposed six 5-year terms as a compromise. Council encouraged him to work with city staff and the attorney on a proposal to bring back in July. Matthew Digrazia addressed the council with concerns about a recent dog attack. He alleged misconduct by animal control and said records were not properly shared. He submitted a complaint to Police Chief Muller and presented additional documentation to the
council. Councilmember Cox said the matter should be referred to the city attorney for review. Digrazia agreed to provide further material and said he is seeking resolution. The council denied a request from Councilmember Cox to attend the California League of Cities Conference this October. Cox argued the training would benefit the city, while other members raised concerns about cost and long-term benefit. The motion to deny passed 3–1, with one abstention. Council adopted two resolutions: one to apply for a Caltrans and
FAA grant for airport improvements, and another to join Modoc County’s regional used oil payment program. The meeting adjourned
with the next regular session scheduled for July 15 at 2 p.m. Taken from Alturas City Council Meeting Minutes.