DEPARTMENT: Sheriff
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Contract With T.W. Vending Inc., dba Turnkey Corrections For Jail Canteen Services
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize to execute a contract with T.W. Vending Inc., dba Turnkey Corrections (Turnkey Corrections) for jail canteen services.
SUMMARY
Since 2010, the County has contracted with Turnkey Corrections for inmate services, including on-site and off-site video visitation, video voicemail, inmate secure messaging, and vending services. In 2014, the County released a Request for Proposals for this service. At the conclusion of that process, Turnkey Corrections was chosen to provide canteen services to the Sheriff’s Office and have been exceptional. The current agreement is set to expire on December 31, 2025, and the Sheriff wishes to continue this relationship from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030.
The contractor, Turnkey Corrections, is responsible for maintaining, servicing, and repairing all equipment and keeping the same in good order and operating condition.
Pursuant to Minnesota Department of Corrections Rules Governing Adult Detention Facilities (Minn. Rules 2911.4800), the County is required to operate a canteen in the jail facility. Minn. Stat. § 16A.72 addresses revenue and expenses in canteen revolving funds and subdivision 7 states, “…in the case of prison industries in the correctional revolving fund, in each institution for the benefit of the patients and inmates…” Commissions received by the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office from this canteen fund are applied to programs and supplies for the benefit of the inmates.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Sheriff’s staff recommends authorizing the Sheriff to execute a contract with T.W. Vending Inc., dba Turnkey Corrections to provide jail canteen services for the period January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Revenue and expenses of $100,000 are reflected in the County Manager’s recommended 2026 budget. The revenues that pay for this contract come from a percentage commission received by the County from the sales of products or use of text and emails. If these revenues are insufficient to cover canteen service expenses, any deficit is paid for with the use of General Fund balance.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, the County previously awarded a contract to T.W. Vending Inc., dba Turnkey Corrections (Turnkey Corrections) for on-site and off-site video visitation, video voicemail, inmate secure messaging, and vending services based on the results of a Request for Proposal issued in 2014; and
WHEREAS, Turnkey Corrections has satisfactorily provided these services at no cost to Dakota County since that time; and
WHEREAS, commissions received by Dakota County are used to fund jail programs and supplies for inmates of the Dakota County Jail; and
WHEREAS, the Sheriff wishes to continue this service through T.W. Vending Inc., d/b/a Turnkey Corrections for the period January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Sheriff to enter into a contract with T.W. Vending Inc., dba Turnkey Corrections to provide on-site and off-site video visitation, video voicemail, inmate secure messaging, and vending services for jail inmates for the period January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
16-638; 12/13/16
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: None
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Joe Leko
Author: Ben Verby