BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Kern County supervisors postponed a decision on Tuesday on whether to approve an occupancy agreement between Bakersfield Recovery Services (BRS) and the Kern County District Attorney’s Office after the proposal was filed as a sole-source agreement rather than a competitive bid contract.

Because the agreement was submitted as a sole-source contract, two supervisors, Chris Parlier and Jeff Flores, abstained from voting due to receiving campaign contributions from Bakersfield Recovery Services. Supervisor David Couch was absent, leaving only two remaining board members, which was not enough to hold a vote.

The county said the district attorney is in the process of re-filing the agreement. In the meantime, the board allowed public comments to be heard without taking action.

During public comment, one speaker said, “We have a conflict of interest with a child predator, the DA, and her selection.” Another speaker said, “The racketeering needs to end, no more Lords of Bakersfield, okay?”

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An assistant district attorney defended the need for the partnership, saying, “The requirements to have a confidential case manager are quite strict. It cannot be a governmental organization; It has to go through a non-profit organization. Bakersfield Recovery is one of the very few that can provide that service.”

A Bakersfield Recovery Services representative also spoke in support of the organization, saying, “Bakersfield Recovery Services has served the community for over 40 years. For decades, we have walked alongside individuals and families facing trauma, addiction, instability, homelessness and family separation.”

Another public hearing is expected at the next meeting on April 14.

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The district attorney’s office is seeking to partner with Bakersfield Recovery Services for its Family Justice Center, which assists victims of crime. Bakersfield Recovery Services would replace the Open Door Network following a fallout between the district attorney and Open Door CEO Lauren Skidmore. The district attorney said Skidmore spoke to the media about pending criminal cases, which jeopardized a fair trial.