Commissioners approve jail contract amendment work with Securus to share phone retention costs

The Rockwall County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Aug. 26 to authorize the sheriff’s jail to negotiate an amendment with Securus that would allow the county to share costs tied to inmate phone investigative and retention services.

Captain Gray told the court that changes under the Martha Wright Reed Act reduced per‑minute rates and shifted commissions toward a revenue‑share model, while the services counties rely on — recorded call retention and investigative support — still carry direct costs. “I think, approximately, it was about $20,000 a year,” Captain Gray said of the county’s share for those investigative retention services, adding that high‑profile cases can require much larger expenditures. Auditor Lisa explained the budget line (001340205) currently budgets $150,000 of commission revenue and that the proposed approach would lower expected net revenue while offsetting sheriff’s office expenses.

Commissioner Stacy moved to allow the jail to work with Securus on an amendment authorizing a county cost share; Commissioner Maklick seconded. Judge (chair) called for the vote, and the motion passed 5–0. The action instructs the county attorney and sheriff’s office to memorialize the cost‑share approach in writing and return any proposed contract language to the court.