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Court approves ViaPath amendment after FCC rate cuts for inmate calls and video
Summary
Potter County approved a sheriff's office contract amendment with ViaPath Technologies to comply with new FCC rules lowering inmate phone and video visit rates; staff said commissions could fall from roughly $140,000 annually and ViaPath offered a one-time $25,000 technology grant.
County staff explained that new Federal Communications Commission regulations, effective April 1, reduce allowable rates for inmate telephone calls and certain tablet video services and prohibit commissions on those services. Staff said the change will reduce the county's commission revenue and that ViaPath offered a one-time $25,000 technology grant to help offset the impact.
"Out of our hands, it's a FCC regulation, so we really don't have much say in the matter," county staff said while explaining the need for a contract amendment to align pricing. Staff estimated the county historically received about $140,000 annually in commissions that will be reduced under the new rules and noted the grant is a one-time, limited measure.
Commissioners asked whether the grant would cover setup costs; staff said the $25,000 technology grant is a good-faith offset but will not fund broader equipment installation and is not recurring. The court approved the amendment by voice vote, recorded as passing 5–0.
