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Commissioners table renewal of electronic monitoring contract for drug‑court participants to review annual price‑increase clause
Summary
Albany County commissioners postponed approval of a contract renewal with Scribe Systems for GPS and alcohol‑monitoring devices after commissioners flagged a contract clause that could allow annual price increases (CPI or 10%, up to 20%). Staff was directed to seek clarification from the vendor before the next meeting.
LARAMIE, Wyo. — Albany County commissioners on Oct. 7 voted to table a proposed renewal contract with Scribe Systems for electronic monitoring services used by adult drug‑court participants after members raised concerns about a vendor pricing clause.
During discussion of the contract presented by the County’s Court Supervised Treatment Program, staff explained the county has purchased monitoring units up‑front in the past and pays an ongoing usage fee. Commissioners identified a clause in the draft stating the vendor may increase fees each year by the consumer price index or 10%, whichever is greater, with a stated maximum increase of 20%.
One commissioner said the potential increase “seems a little bit high,” and asked staff whether the county had discussed the clause with the vendor. Staff replied they had not and offered to contact the vendor. Commissioners moved to table the item to allow staff time to seek clarification; staff noted the current contract is valid through November and said the delay was intended to be proactive.
Why it matters
Electronic monitoring (GPS and alcohol‑detection units) is a core supervision tool for participants in the court‑supervised treatment program. An unexpected or large price increase would affect program budgeting and participant fees.
What the record shows
Heather (Court Supervised Treatment Program staff) outlined that the county uses separate units for GPS and alcohol detection and also uses portable breathalyzers. Commissioners asked whether the contract contains an escalator clause tied to CPI and whether that clause had been negotiated previously; staff said they would investigate and return with an answer. The board voted to table the contract until the vendor’s pricing provision is clarified.
Next steps
Staff will contact Scribe Systems to ask about the annual increase provision and possible negotiation options before the next meeting. The contract is currently tabled and staff reported time to follow up before the contract’s November expiration.
