Pubdate: Thu, 02 Jan 2003
Source: Kansas City Star (MO)
Copyright: 2003 The Kansas City Star
Contact:  http://www.kcstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/221
Author: Benita Y. Williams

DESPITE DISPUTE, DRUG COURT CONTINUES OPERATION

Jackson County Drug Court operated normally today, following a dispute over 
the contract regarding drug-treatment services.

The contract with the new vendor, Addiction Recovery Services Inc., was put 
on hold Tuesday when Jackson County Executive Katheryn Shields issued an 
emergency purchase order for $44,500 to continue paying the current 
drug-court vendor, County Court Service Inc.

Shields' order came after County Court Services sued the Jackson County 
Legislature, alleging it had illegally awarded the treatment contract to 
Addiction Recovery, which was the low bidder. However, outside evaluators 
gave higher marks to County Court Services.

In its lawsuit, County Court Services had asked for a restraining order to 
stop the contract with Addiction Recovery. However, a court hearing on the 
matter was tabled after Shields issued her order.
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MAP posted-by: Beth