Board approves Meals on Wheels contracts after concerns about vendor performance; one supervisor votes no

The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved contracts with H Well Senior Services Inc. and Community Senior Serve Inc., doing business as Meals on Wheels Orange County, to administer the county elderly nutrition program.

During discussion a board member criticized the vendors’ past performance and said taxpayers had not been well served, announcing they would vote against the contracts. Supervisor Sarmiento said she would provide reluctant support but asked staff to return with periodic performance updates, suggesting six‑month reports to monitor contract compliance. County staff confirmed they could provide performance updates every six months.

The item passed 4–1. Supervisors did not receive public comment on the item before the vote. Several board members urged staff to seek additional vendors for future solicitations to broaden the pool of qualified providers.