The board of county commissioners, with the consent of the sheriff, may contract with commercial providers for the provision to prisoners and other persons of food services, medical services, and other programs and services necessary for the care and welfare of prisoners and other persons placed in the sheriff's charge.
In the absence of a commercial food service contract, the sheriff shall appoint a cook who shall have charge over the preparation of food for the feeding of prisoners and other persons placed in the sheriff's charge. The cook need not, but may be, required to perform other staff duties provided for in this section. The compensation of the cook shall be payable semimonthly from the general fund of the county, upon the warrant of the county auditor.