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Anderson council renews detention‑center medical and food contracts after staff presentations
Summary
Council unanimously approved renewal of the detention center's medical services contract (incumbent Southern Health Partners) and the food‑service contract (Trinity Food Services) after staff said the procurements were re‑bid and performance concerns were minimal; finance staff noted a modest food‑service budget decrease.
The Anderson City Council on March 23 approved two routine contract renewals for city detention‑center services: a medical care contract and a food‑service contract, both procured through competitive bids.
Police Chief Jim Stewart told the council the city issued requests for proposals and received two bidders for medical services: Southern Health Partners (the incumbent) and Advanced Correctional. Stewart said Southern Health Partners has provided consistent service, including added weekend coverage, and that the department had ‘‘no issues’’ with the vendor over roughly the last decade. The council voted unanimously to approve the recommended medical‑services contract.
Chief Stewart also recommended continuing with Trinity Food Services for meal provision at the detention center. He said Trinity met required nutritional standards and has done ‘‘a really good job’’; procurement staff noted that contract pricing varies with market conditions and the number of inmates. Finance Director Margaret Martin was cited in council remarks as saying the food contract amount reflects about a $9,000 decrease from previously budgeted figures, and Chief Stewart said the detention center has seen a decrease in its population. Council members asked for confirmation of exact amounts, and Chief Stewart said he would follow up with specific figures.
Both contract renewals passed by unanimous vote. Council members framed the approvals as routine, multi‑year procurements required by policy and subject to the city’s purchasing rules; staff will return with any further contract details or implementation items as needed.
