TITLE
Title
PAYTEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
end
SPONSOR
Sponsor
Sheriff D.H. Rogers (Captain R. Shepherd)
end
BACKGROUND
Background
Guilford County has contracted with Paytel Communications, Inc. since 2005 to provide telephone and technology services to detainees. The current contract expired on July 1, 2019 and Paytel continued to provide consistent services matching the former contract terms in cost and service. It is proposing a new contract with Guilford County that will expand services and lower rates. New handheld tablets and charging stations will be installed and the number of existing tablets will rise to one tablet per two inmates (an increase of over 30%). The tablets will now permit phone, video and text messaging. Law library access will be expanded and provided at no cost. This will save Guilford County approximately $18,000 per year (FY 2018-19 cost). Expanded educational, inspirational and self-improvement options will be provided through the tablets. Telephone rates will fall between 40% to 50%. Reimbursement to Guilford County will also increase from $326,000 to $400,000 per year effective January 1, 2020. The term of this contract will run from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2022, with one-year renewal provisions upon mutual agreement.
end
BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
NO ADDITIONAL COUNTY FUNDS REQUIRED
end
REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Approve contract with Paytel Communications, Inc., in substantial form, in the amount of $1,163,000 beginning July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2022, renewable in one-year terms upon mutual agreement of the parties. Paytel Communications shall charge inmates and/or called parties the rates outlined in the contract. Beginning January 1, 2020, the amount of reimbursement to the County will increase from $326,000 per year to $400,000 per year, payable in quarterly installments.
end