The Dougherty County Commission convened on June 2, 2025, to discuss several pressing issues, primarily focusing on the county's jail visitation policies and the rising costs of inmate healthcare services.

The meeting began with a review of the jail's visitation system, which has transitioned to a virtual format. Officials noted that this change has allowed for 24/7 access for inmates to connect with their families, significantly reducing the risk of contraband introduction and decreasing the need for staff hours dedicated to in-person visits. However, in-person visits are still permitted under limited circumstances, particularly for inmates with mental health challenges who benefit from seeing specific support persons.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the county's food service contract for inmates, which has raised concerns among commissioners regarding its cost. A request was made for a detailed breakdown of the $1.3 million budget for food services, including administration and transportation costs. Commissioners expressed the need for transparency in understanding how funds are allocated, especially given the number of inmates served.

The discussion then shifted to the county's healthcare services for inmates, with a proposal to accept a bid of $7.6 million from a new provider, which represents a substantial increase from previous costs. The county manager acknowledged the financial strain this would place on the budget but emphasized the necessity of maintaining quality healthcare services within the jail. The commissioners expressed their concerns about the dramatic rise in costs, comparing it to previous contracts and the long-standing partnership with the former provider, Phoebe, which had previously offered significant discounts.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from county officials to explore options for managing these rising costs while ensuring that essential services remain available. Further discussions are expected in the coming days as the commission seeks to finalize decisions on both the food and healthcare contracts.