Gratiot County extends jail phone and video contract; vendor lowers consumer rates under federal law

Gratiot County commissioners voted to extend the county jail’s contract with Securus for 18 months and accepted lower per-minute and video-visit rates the jail administrator said reflect new federal guidance.

The jail administrator told the board, “Under this agreement, Securus will be dropping their rates to 12¢ a minute. Video visits when purchased will be $5 for 20 minutes.” The administrator said that under the Martha Wright Reid Act the vendor has reduced phone and video fees from the prior agreement and that the county had to act quickly because the prior contract had expired.

The board’s action updates a contract the administrator described as having lapsed; the previous rates the administrator cited were about 21¢ per minute for calls and $13 for a 30-minute video visit. The administrator also said Securus will store recordings for approximately 90 days and that a formerly free archival service will now cost the county “$756 a year.”

Commissioners discussed operational impacts and the need to avoid service interruptions for inmates and families. Commissioner Steve moved to approve the extension; Commissioner Tim seconded the motion. The motion carried on an aye vote.

The board’s vote authorizes the limited, short-term contract while county staff continue evaluating longer-term options and vendor reliability. The administrator described Securus as an established provider in corrections technology but said county staff previously sought other vendors and that a quick renewal was needed to avoid disrupting inmate communications and visits.

The extension does not itself change county policy on inmate communications; it preserves service while staff review alternatives and monitor compliance with federal requirements referenced by the county.

Action details: Moved by Steven; seconded by Tim; motion carried.