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Sheriff warns FCC rule could cost county about $100,000 a year; seeks short‑term support
Summary
The sheriff told commissioners a recent FCC order changing inmate phone/visitation/tablet obligations could remove roughly $100,000 of jail fund revenue; the board discussed short‑term budget measures while pursuing appeals and noted interest in a $70,000 3‑D imaging system for investigations.
Sheriff Kyle briefed the commission on jail technology and an FCC order that changes how inmate phone, tablet and video visitation systems are operated and financed. The sheriff said the order could eliminate much of the jail fund revenue the county now uses to support those systems, estimating the change would "take $100,000 a year out of our" jail fund and asked the commission to consider short‑term mitigation while the county seeks clarifying guidance and possible appeals.
Separately, the sheriff described a proposed $70,000 3‑D imaging and scanning system for investigations and forensic mapping, including training and annual maintenance costs (about $1,400/year). The sheriff asked for authorization to bid the equipment and for commission consideration to appropriate or bid the system through usual procurement channels; commissioners discussed timing, cloud storage and training for investigative staff.
"This will take $100,000 a year out of our jail fund," the sheriff said when outlining the FCC order's budget impact; commissioners discussed options to temporarily cover part of the shortfall while exploring advocacy and legal avenues.
