Santa Fe has extended an agreement with a security company for its city buildings despite the firm's higher cost. The Albuquerque Journal reports the Santa Fe City Council recently voted 5-1 to renew a contract with Chavez Security for a second year even though the deal will cost half a million dollars more than bids from other companies.
Chavez Security is charging the city about $517,000 per year, a rate of $136,000 more than another competitor offered. That amounts to at least $540,000 over the course of the four-year contract.
Council members say the company received the contract through a fair process. Chavez Security will be responsible for patrolling several downtown properties including parking lots and garages, the city's three libraries and the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.