Commission approves Paytel agreement for inmate phone services as federal rate changes remain pending

The Franklin County Commission approved commission order 2025-243 to execute a master service agreement with Paytel Communications for inmate phone services.

County staff explained the contract covers inmate calling services and discussed existing per-minute rates and nationwide regulatory activity that has affected pricing. Staff said the county's contract currently contains rates such as 21 cents per minute for certain calls and 12 cents per minute for others; they noted pending federal regulatory actions and prior settlements affecting inmate-call rate structures and payment processing. Staff said regulatory rulemaking has been delayed at the federal level and that some rate adjustments and contract terms nationally have been changed or postponed as a result.

Why it matters: Inmate telephone rates affect detainees' ability to communicate with family and counsel and influence facility revenues or costs tied to phone services.

Action taken: The commission voted to approve the Paytel master service agreement by motion and voice vote. No roll-call tally was recorded in the public discussion.