Nothing to see here, just following rules

When Matt Ortt Companies was brought into run the Ocean Pines Association’s beleaguered food and drink operations a little more than six years ago, chances are no one expected that organization and the venues it would be managing to do as well as they did.

Judging from the incentives built into the original contract, it appears that the thought behind it was that simply breaking even on the year would be a wonderful thing to behold, considering the venues’ poor performance over the years.

Obviously, the OPA Board of Directors and the association management were delighted when Ortt’s efforts put money on the OPA’s bottom line.

Now, however, Ortt’s success obligates the OPA to play by the rules lest anyone suggest that association leadership and restaurateur Matt Ortt have some kind of a sweetheart deal in place.

With Ortt’s contract expiring in 2025, the association really has no choice but to “see what’s out there,” even if it turns out that there’s nothing out there at all.

At least it tried, which gives both the OPA and Ortt some cover from any criticism that might arise should the two come to terms over a new operating agreement.

As Director Rick Farr observed this week, the association’s bylaws require the board to issue a formal request for proposals when it seeks contractual services and that is what it’s doing.

Obviously, the clientele at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club, the Beach Club and clubhouse like the product that Ortt produces and would undoubtedly support his return.

Still, the rules exist to protect everyone involved — the community, association management, the board and the vendor — and ignoring them is not in the best interest of anyone.