The Library began contracting with a private guard service in 1999 to maintain safety for patrons, staff, and facility.  Staff regularly opens the guard service contract for Request for Proposals and now seeks approval of a new agreement for Library guard service with Signal of Montana beginning July 1, 2024. The current agreement expires June 30, 2024.

City Council may:

• Approve the Signal of Montana contract, the firm chosen by the selection committee, for guard service for the Library (recommended), The presence of a uniformed security guard serves as a deterrent to violation of the Library's patron conduct policy and criminal activity.  Many instances require the guard on duty to respond immediately, ranging from criminal activity to assisting or helping staff deal with patrons whose conduct violates Library policy.  Private security guards limit the demand made by the Library on the time of sworn officers in the Billings Police Department to situations involving criminal acts. Further, the security company patrols the property randomly during overnight hours to deter criminal activity and report to Billings Police if necessary.
• Approve part-time guard service.  Many of the same issues apply with part-time guard services that apply to having no guard service.  It would not provide the level of protection needed to safeguard the patrons, staff, and building and grounds adequately.
• Or,
• Disapprove the agreement and provide no guard service.

The estimated cost for the first year of the contract is $206,000. This estimate includes guard costs and nightly patrols.  The Library has sufficient funds in the proposed FY25 budget to pay for the services.

Staff recommends the Council approve the Library guard service contract with Signal of Montana for two (2) years, with an option to extend for four (4) additional one-year terms.