During the Missoula City Council meeting on September 22, 2025, local security business owners raised concerns about the city's contracting process for security services. Jody Steele, managing owner of Northstar Security, expressed surprise at the city's expanded security needs and questioned the lack of a bidding process for contracts, specifically referencing Black Knight Security. Steele emphasized the desire for a fair opportunity for local businesses to compete for city contracts.

James Hatton, co-owner of TELUS Security, echoed Steele's sentiments, seeking clarity on the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. He highlighted the importance of transparency when public funds are involved in contracting services that affect the community.

The discussion underscored a growing demand for equitable treatment among local security firms, as both speakers called for a more inclusive approach to the bidding process. The council members acknowledged the comments and indicated that they would address these concerns during their general comments segment.

The meeting also featured a range of public comments on various topics, including a more contentious discussion regarding community issues and political sentiments, but the focus on security contracts stood out as a significant point of concern for local business owners. The outcome of these discussions may lead to changes in how the city manages its security contracts, potentially opening doors for more local businesses to participate in future bidding opportunities.