Cass County OKs three-year extension of inmate phone contract, adds on-site administrator

The Cass County Commission voted unanimously to approve a contract amendment with ICS Solutions that extends the countyinmate phone and video-visit agreement through 2031 and adds a full-time site administrator and a secure communications channel for attorney-client paperwork.

The amendment, presented by county staff member Mr. Ray (S7), would add a site manager responsible for repairs and day-to-day support at the jail and introduce a privileged secure communications channel so attorneys can send papers for signatures without relying on jail staff. Mr. Ray said the contractor agreed to absorb upfront installation costs by extending the contract term rather than charging the county an upfront fee.

"The amendment calls for a contract extension from 2028 to 2031," Mr. Ray told the commission, and said the change would reduce staff burdens and help cut grievance-processing time. Sheriff John (S8) backed the proposal, saying the operational relief and improved reliability would benefit staff, inmates and attorneys.

Commissioners asked whether the revenue structure covers county costs; Mr. Ray said the county will retain commissions and video-visit revenue at the current rate of 2cents per minute and that funds are being directed to the inmate welfare fund. "We have already met that cost already and now are putting money into the inmate welfare fund," Mr. Ray said.

Commissioner Flacco (S3) moved to approve the amendment; the motion was seconded and carried in a unanimous roll-call vote. The commission recorded a unanimous approval of the amendment.

Procedural follow-up: staff will finalize the amended agreement and proceed under the extended term. The approval leaves the current commission of fees and the video-visit pricing unchanged.