Hart BOC Puts Off Selecting a New Food Service Vendor for County Jail

Hart County Commissioners are holding off on awarding a contract for a new food vendor for the Hart County Jail.

On December 6, the Board opened the bids from potential new vendors, but at last week’s County Commission Meeting, Partain recommended the Board hold off on awarding any contract.

“I went over the contract and it hasn’t been updated since 2007 or 2008,” Partain said. “I told (the lowest bidder) him we would like to take a little time and have Walter (county attorney) look at it and bring it up to a 2020 version. So, he understands that and we’ll have a called meeting at the end of the year and make an appointment.”

Partain said he also wanted the County Jail Administrator to look over the contract before awarding it.

“I want to sit down with him (low bidder) and the jail administration and get everybody on the same page and be sure everybody understands what they’re signing. There’s more people than me involved in this. We can make a decision but the jail has to live with it. So, I want everybody on the same page,” Partain said.

In early November, Hart County Commissioners voted to remove Ludi’s Diner, which is owned and operated by RC Oglesby and his family as the jail food service provider.

The County had contracted with Ludi’s Diner, until Oglesby arrest on racketeering charges.

Also arrested was Oglesby’s son and daughter-in-law who operated Ludi’s.

The Board also asked County Administrator Terrell Partain to work with the Jail Administrator to find a new food service vendor.

Partain said he hopes to have the updated contract ready by the end of the month so the contract can be awarded.