The Bartholomew County commissioners have approved a request to formalize a contract with a Florida-based company that will handle all food services at the Bartholomew County Jail for the next three years.
The commissioners voted Monday to approve a contract with Trinity Service Group to provide food, labor and benefits, as well as chemical and paper supplies, at the jail from April 15, 2024, to April 14, 2027. The vote came a couple weeks after the commissioners approved awarding the bid to the Florida-based company.
The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department estimates that the contract will be around $550,000 per year, which officials said previously would save the county $50,000 annually.
Officials said they were unable to provide an exact figure for the contract because the final amount paid to the company will be on a sliding scale based on inmate population, which fluctuates daily.
“We are anticipating a savings of about $50,000 annually when you include the cost of food, salaries, benefits, maintenance and everything that goes into running the kitchen,” Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Maj. Brandon Slate told the commissioners earlier this month.
The company will be required to provide two hot meals and one cold meal for an average daily population of 240 inmates, according to the bid notice. Meals must also be prepared for an additional 35 individuals who are on a work release program, while alternative meals must be available for those with special dietary needs.
Trinity feeds more than 300,000 inmates in over 40 states, which provides them with extensive buying power, the company’s website states.
The Florida firm also was chosen because of its employee compensation package, which Slate said previously will help with future staffing. In its request to bidders, Bartholomew County stipulated the winning vendor must agree to hire any of the three current kitchen staff members who wish to continue their employment.
In addition, Trinity has agreed to set aside $10,000 to help pay for equipment replacement or repairs, Slate said previously.
The sheriff’s major also said he received good references concerning Trinity from jail officials in both Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.
Currently, the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department purchases food from Gordon Food Service, Slate said.
