Addison approves five-year jail services agreement with Richardson

The Addison City Council approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Richardson to provide jail services to Addison, a contract the town said will improve logistics and return officers to patrol more quickly.

The agreement, approved Aug. 26, would begin Oct. 1 and run for an initial five-year term with an automatic five-year renewal. Chief of Police Chris Friess told the council the proposed contract includes fixed costs for the first three years — $500,000 in year 1, $550,000 in year 2 and $600,000 in year 3 — and that years 4 and 5 would not increase unless bookings exceed a stated annual threshold the contract ties to cost adjustments. Friess said Richardson staff have approved the agreement on their end and that Richardson expects to sign the final document shortly.

Why it matters: The town has contracted with other municipalities for jail services since Carrollton ceased providing the service in December 2021. Friess said staff researched alternatives because of distance and time logistics under Addison’s current provider, Grapevine, and recommended Richardson for its proximity and experience.

Friess summarized the town’s recent history of jail-provider arrangements: Carrollton ended jail service in late 2021; negotiations with Farmers Branch in mid-2022 did not yield an agreement; Addison executed a 2022 agreement with Grapevine; and staff began considering additional options in mid-2024. “The proposed contract would go into effect October 1, and the contract term is for an initial 5 years with an automatic 5 year renewal after that,” Friess said during the council meeting.

Council members asked whether Addison could end the contract early if the service proved unsatisfactory. Friess replied the town may terminate the agreement by giving notice and that staff recommended the Richardson arrangement because it would reduce transport time and return officers to town faster. Council discussion included praise for the operational benefit of reduced travel time to Richardson compared with Grapevine.

The council voted to approve the interlocal agreement by voice vote. Staff said the fiscal year 2026 budget already includes the year‑1 contract cost.