Shawnee County to seek bids for corrections department food, commissary services

Shawnee County Corrections Director Brian Cole said he is happy with the job Philadelphia-based Aramark Correctional has done providing food and commissary services the past several years for his department.

Still, Cole told county commissioners Monday the fiscally responsible thing for them to do would be to see what other agencies have to offer.

“It’s all about accountability and providing quality services and being responsible to the taxpayers,” he said.

Commissioners Kevin Cook, Shelly Buhler and Bob Archer subsequently voted 3-0 to authorize Cole to solicit bids separately from companies interested in providing food and commissary services to his department after its contract with Aramark runs out at the end of next year.

Cole said the process would be a lengthy one, which would include creating specifications and — should commissioners hire a company other than Aramark — making the transition to a new provider or providers.