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Budget committee holds proposed sole-source softball umpire contract amid questions on competition
Summary
Jackson County Parks staff sought a sole-source award to Eastern Jackson County USSSA Empire Association for softball umpires, citing USSSA slow-pitch specialization and the ability to supply required umpire quantities. The budget committee voted to hold the item pending more procurement documentation.
Jackson County—s budget committee held resolution 21960, a proposed 12-month term-and-supply contract (with three 12-month options) to secure softball umpire services from the Eastern Jackson County USSSA Empire Association as a sole-source purchase.
Sarah Gold, superintendent of recreation for the Parks and Recreation Department, told the committee the county has worked with the association for 24 years and that the organization provides USSSA-sanctioned slow-pitch umpires required for county leagues. She said the expected annual spend for 2025 is $82,000; in 2024 the county spent $72,000 for umpire services.
Gold and Diane Kimsey, deputy director of enterprise operations, said past solicitations produced no bids or only a single bid able to deliver the number of umpires the county needs. When a committee member questioned the sole-source designation and asked whether other umpire associations had been given an opportunity to bid, Gold said the association is effectively unique for the county—s slow-pitch needs and the quantity required.
After discussion, a committee member moved to hold the item for additional procurement review; a second was made and the motion carried. The transcript records voice votes but no roll-call tally.
Parks staff were directed to provide additional procurement history and outreach documentation to substantiate the sole-source justification before the committee advances the contract recommendation.
