Officials at the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department are considering outsourcing the food service for the county jail.
Sheriff George Lenzner said one of the issues is the recurring theme of not being able to properly staff the kitchen.
“The biggest problem we’re having is with the money we’re paying them, it’s hard to find people to work those hours,” he told the public safety committee Aug. 6.
Currently, the county is advertising for a jail cook with a hiring wage of $16.47 per hour.
The jail employs four cooks and a food service manager. They prepare food for all inmates and staff.
“The main employee that will be affected is our food service manager,” Lenzner said.
“Potentially, the (cooks) could stay on as staff,” added Troy Beyer, jail administrator.
To make the switch, the county will seek offers from qualified companies.
Beyer said he is currently reviewing a draft of the request for proposal with corporation counsel. Additional information is expected be available at the October public safety meeting.
Lenzner said outsourcing the work could save the county money, although no exact figures are known.
He said one company that will be given serious consideration is Inmate Canteen, the firm that currently handles the jail’s commissary.
“That’s all they do is jail foods,” Lenzner said. “They do have a very good reputation. They do a lot of other states. They’re just majorly getting into Wisconsin the last year.”
Cook candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, experience in quantity food production, a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
