How to Help

Take Action

Contract approved unanimously on October 20, 2026

The new contract lowers phone calls to 7¢ a minute, and the county will not take a single cent from calls or video visits. The biggest part of this campaign is done. There are still a few simple ways to help.

Three Ways to Help Now

Each one takes only a few minutes.

01

Say thank you

Commissioners and the Sheriff's Office hear complaints far more often than thanks. A short note telling them this contract matters to you goes a long way.

Write a thank-you note

02

Ask about leftover balances

People leaving jail often have money left on their phone accounts and don't know how to get it back. We are asking the jail to give everyone written instructions at release.

Add it to your note

03

Share the good news

Many families who pay for jail calls don't know the price is dropping. Send this site to someone who has ever paid for a jail call.

Share this site

Write to the county

Who you areYour name, and your connection to Kalamazoo County or to this issue.
Say thank youFor lowering phone calls from 18¢ to 7¢ a minute, and for declining the optional 2¢ a minute.
AskThat everyone leaving the county jail gets written instructions on how to get back any money left on their phone account.
If you want
  • Ask the county to publish rates, fees and any money it receives from the contract every year.
  • Ask what the $25,000 tech grant would be used for, if it is accepted.
  • Share your own experience, if you are comfortable.

Who to write to

Tap any email address to copy it.
Jen StrebsChair, District 2Jen.Strebs@kalcounty.gov
John TaylorVice Chair, District 5John.Taylor2@kalcounty.gov
Jeff HepplerVice Chair Pro Tem, District 7Jeff.Heppler@kalcounty.gov
Tami ReyDistrict 1Tami.Rey@kalcounty.gov
Monteze MoralesDistrict 3Monteze.Morales@kalcounty.gov
Abigail WheelerDistrict 4Abigail.Wheeler@kalcounty.gov
John H. GislerDistrict 6John.Gisler@kalcounty.gov
Wendy MazerDistrict 8Wendy.Mazer@kalcounty.gov
Dale DeLeeuwDistrict 9Dale.DeLeeuw@kalcounty.gov
Richard C. Fuller IIIKalamazoo County SheriffRichard.Fuller@kalcounty.gov
Terrell ColeInterim County Administrator/ControllerTerrell.Cole@kalcounty.gov

Share the good news

Who to send it toAnyone who has paid for a jail phone call, has had someone close to them in the county jail, or cares how the county handles public money.