Sheriff urges moving jail food service in‑house; board votes to notify contractor pending staff transfer

Hart County’s sheriff told the Board of Commissioners on June 23 that inmates have complained about food quality and that the county currently pays roughly $8,200 per week to a private food‑service contractor. After discussing cost estimates from local providers and a plan to transfer two existing contracted positions into county employment, the board voted unanimously to notify the current vendor of contract termination on 30‑day notice contingent on the two employees coming on board.

The sheriff told the board the jail’s average daily population has been roughly 170–175 inmates, and that the county has realized just over $1 million in inmate revenue since Oct. 1, 2025, with a projected total near $1.6 million by September. He said local providers who supply restaurants estimated food‑only costs between $1.50 and $2.00 per meal — a range staff used to project potential savings and improved quality if the county manages food purchases directly and uses inmate workers under county supervision.

Commissioners asked about contractual obligations, liability and the budgetary effect of bringing the positions in‑house. The sheriff said the existing contract can be ended with 30 days’ notice and that the county would need to create two positions and confirm candidates before issuing the termination. The board’s motion authorized staff to notify the vendor of termination contingent on the county securing those employees and related conditions.

What happens next: county staff will confirm the availability and hiring/transfer of the two positions, finalize a contingency plan for food procurement, and, if conditions are met, issue the vendor notice within the 30‑day window. The board’s action does not immediately change service; the county will maintain food service continuity while transfers and procurement are completed.