Sheriff Guy Baker presented a proposal to contract with an electronic bonding and document-management vendor (eBonds/Evons) to streamline bond paperwork and allow bondsmen to submit bond documents and fees electronically. Nick Moss, the vendor representative, said the platform integrates with the jail roster, stores bond documentation in the cloud and routes fees to the county; he described a $10-per-transaction fee paid by bondsmen in counties currently using the system.

Baker said the county would not pay to use the system and that it would reduce phone calls and paperwork for jail staff. He also told the court that the system would reduce opportunities for favoritism because bondsmen would have equal access to booking information.

Several commissioners said the bail-bonds board traditionally reviews such proposals and recommended returning the item after that review. "You're missing a step. You need to go to the bail bond board first for their review," a commissioner said. The court voted to table the item and directed staff to schedule a bond-board presentation before further county action.

Next steps: The sheriff and vendor will present to the local bail-bonds board; the item will return to commissioners after that review. The court formally tabled the contract request at this meeting.