Court approves vendor-funded detention-center contract; vendor to recoup costs from inmates/families

The court reviewed and approved a detention-center contract where the vendor will bear upfront equipment and installation costs and recover those costs over a 48-month contract term through fees assessed to inmates or their families. County attorneys and staff reported requested contract revisions had been addressed and recommended approval.

Cam Culbertson explained that the vendor will take on the upfront equipment and installation expenses and that the vendor plans to recover those costs under the contract's terms. A magistrate clarified that there is no immediate cost to the county for the installation; court members approved the contract by voice vote after a motion and second. County staff said the vendor has operated similar programs for "26 years," and the county's responsibility will be oversight and contract enforcement rather than paying installation costs.