No snacks at park and still no concession stand bids

The spring sports season is now underway at Barber Park, but for participants and fans there are no cold drinks or snacks available.
After questions were raised in January by District 2 Grady County Commissioner Billy Poitevint  about an alleged conflict of interest with the concessions at the park, longtime concessioner Tim Bracewell, husband of county Recreation Director Becky Bracewell, resigned and the county commission is soliciting bids.
As of the close of business Tuesday, Grady County Administrator Carlos Tobar said no one had submitted a proposal to operate the two concession stands at the park.
Bids will be accepted through noon on Monday, March 31.
“I have reached out to some people trying to get some bidders, but I’m beginning to get worried,” Tobar said Tuesday.
Bracewell, owner of Basehit Enterprises, has operated the concession stands at the park for many years and split the profits 50-50 with the county, according to Bracewell.
Basehit Enterprises paid the county $1,348.50 in 2013 for its share of the profits, according to county officials.
County Commissioner Charles Norton predicted in January after Bracewell resigned that there would be few if any vendors who would submit a bid to operate the park concessions.
Poitevint earlier this year told commissioners, “I got dumped on pretty heavy back in the summer about the conflict of interest and I was told we need to do something different.”
Commission Chairman T.D. David responded at the time, “I hope whoever these concerned citizens are will be the first to bid.”
For more information about submitting a proposal to the county contact Tobar at 229-377-1512 or pick up a copy of the Request for Proposal in the county commission office at the courthouse.