Rice County Commissioner Says No to Inmate Phone Charges

The Rice County Board of Commissioners voted 4 to 1 to approve an inmate telephone services agreement today with ICSolutions of San Antonio, Texas.

The company provides inmate calling and other services for those incarcerated. The prisoners pay for their calls.

Nick Bemis, Correction Sgt. with the Rice County Jail explained with the move to the new Public Safety Center it was the perfect time to change from the current service provider.

The biggest plus seemed to be the fact the county does not have to pay for the service.

Commissioner Galen Malecha was not enthralled with the idea.

Bemis outlined the charges.

Malecha replied.

Two free calls per week are provided for inmates who can't afford to pay the fees.

Sheriff Jesse Thomas pointed out if inmates want to take a class through the tablet they can earn points toward messaging or streaming services avoiding a payment.

Under the agreement Rice County will receive 40 percent of gross call revenue at the new facility and 15 percent at the current jail until the move is made.

The county also receives 25 percent for video visitations, tablet entertainment streaming, video messaging and voice messages.

Sheriff Thomas told KDHL the transition team is on schedule to move to the new facility after it's completion in July of next year.