TRUMBULL COUNTY JAIL Doctor's pact expected to be renewed

One commissioner had proposed awarding the doctor a two-year contract.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Trumbull County commissioners are expected to renew the $270,000 yearly contract of the jail doctor without seeking competitive bids.
The resolution to hire Dr. Phillip P. Malvasi, D.O., is expected to be approved during today's regular meeting.
During Tuesday's work session, commissioners said they planned to approve the one-year contract for Dr. Malvasi, Youngstown-Warren Road, Niles. The doctor is to provide medical care and treatment of inmates at the county jail.
Commissioners had proposed awarding Malvasi a two-year contract but decided against it after receiving a letter from county Prosecutor Dennis Watkins.
"Based upon a proposed two-year contract for jail physician services, which may range in cost of $400,000 to $500,000, I strongly recommend that such contract be awarded through a competitive process," Watkins' letter states.
Tony Carson, county administrator, said competitive bids were not sought because commissioners decided to renew the doctor's contract for one year.
"We wanted the two-year contract because we thought that would save us money, but we will do what the prosecutor's office says," Tsagaris said.
Still wants bids
Watkins said he still recommends that competitive bids be sought, even if it is a one-year contract. The county is not required to seek competitive bids for professional services, officials said.
"I still think it's good to get the competitive bids, and I am going to be asking some questions about this during the meeting," said Commissioner Dan Polivka, who was attending a seminar in Athens, Ohio, on Tuesday and not at the work session.
Carson said Dr. Malvasi's salary is less than the previous jail doctor's. He said the previous contract was more than $270,000 a year.
Commissioners and Sheriff Thomas Altiere said they are pleased with Dr. Malvasi's work.
"He's done a very good job for us," Altiere said.
sinkovich@vindy.com