Greene County approves short-term Aramark amendment after commissioners protest 30% juvenile-meal increase

The Greene County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 13 approved Amendment No. 5 to the county's food-service contract with Aramark Corrections Correctional Services LLC, despite sharp criticism from commissioners over a 30% increase in juvenile-detention meal charges.

The board voted to approve the short-term amendment to keep meals supplied while staff seeks competitive bids and explores building in‑county kitchen capacity. The amendment, staff said, was necessary because the delivery pattern changed after the county shifted facilities; Aramark added an 80¢ per‑meal surcharge to cover vehicle costs, staff said.

"They're gonna charge you 80¢ a meal to bring it across the street," one speaker said during debate. The same speaker called the increase "highway robbery," saying the meals are prepared in the same kitchen and that the added cost "boggles the mind." The speaker also said the county would go out for bids and consider preparing meals in‑house as a longer-term solution.

County staff told commissioners the juvenile meals are inherently more costly because they must meet school‑lunch and juvenile nutrition requirements; the amendment covers juvenile-meal pricing through August and the current agreement had already expired, staff said. Commissioners acknowledged limited market competition for such services and the need to act short term to avoid service interruption.

The motion to approve the amendment passed with commissioners recording affirmative votes. Commissioners instructed staff to seek other vendors, revisit contract structure, and report back with options, including installing kitchen equipment to prepare meals in county facilities.

Next steps: staff will issue a request for proposals for juvenile meal services and return with procurement options and cost estimates.