TITLE
Title
BUDGET AMENDMENT: PAY TEL COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT FOR REENTRY
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Sheriff Danny H. Rogers (Captain Wes Mecham)
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BACKGROUND
Background
On July 1, 2023, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) renewed the contract with Pay Tel Communications, Inc. to provide Inmate Communication Services (ICS). As a component of this contract, Pay Tel agreed to an annual allocation in the amount of $50,000 made payable to GCSO. The annual allocation is divided into two equal amounts. The first amount $25,000 is to be used for the Sheriff’s Office Reentry Program. The second amount $25,000 is intended for educational programs for inmates and Sheriff's Office staff (Item #2, page 1 of Guilford County Contract No. 90005735).
Please note below:
2. PAYMENT OF FEES PROVIDER will pay a commission of 80% of gross revenue from phone calls and 25% of gross revenue from messages, video-visitation, photo sharing, and paid entertainment to COUNTY and a $25,000.00/per year Re-entry Program grant to the Guilford County Sheriff's Office as well as a $25,000.00/per year Education Grant to the Sheriff's Detention Facilities as set out in Option one (1) of Attachment B.
It should be noted that the term "grant' was used by Paytel, however there was no competitive process for receiving these funds. The funds were awarded as a component of the most recent contract.
• For the FY24 award, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office is requesting to allocate $25,000 for re-entry supplies and $25,000 for training and education.
• Due to recent price increases resulting from the upcoming peer support contract renewal with Mental Health Associates of the Triad, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office would like the first $25,000 allocated to Re-entry to cover the budget gap of FY25 which is projected to be roughly $24,800. Any remaining funds will go towards the purchase of hygiene items for program participants.
• The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office Reentry Program has requested modifications to the second $25,000 allocation to be used towards jail diversion activities. Pay Tel leadership has agreed to this change. This allocation will be used towards items such as food, clothing, lodging, and bus passes. Proposed budget attached.
There is no required Guilford County match.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
General Fund
$100,000 increase in appropriation to Law Enforcement
$100,000 increase in Other Revenue
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Approve budget amendment increasing the appropriation to Law Enforcement by $100,000 and increase Other Revenues by $100,000.
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