Commissioners approve Smart Communications contract amendment to align inmate calling and video rates with Montana and FCC rules

Missoula County commissioners approved a contract amendment Jan. 30 with Smart Communications, the vendor that provides inmate telephone, video and tablet services in the county detention facility.

A county staff member described the amendment as an annual true‑up based on average daily population that adjusts the rates charged to inmates and callers and provides updated video-visit technology and tablets. The presenter said the update brings county contracts into compliance with both Montana state law and Federal Communications Commission allowable rates for detention facilities.

The motion to approve the amendment was moved and seconded; staff noted a lack of attachments in the online packet and said printed copies were available at the meeting and they would resolve the online posting problem.

The board approved the amendment by voice vote; the transcript does not record individual roll-call tallies. Staff indicated the change updates pricing and technology under the existing detention‑facility services contract.