Council extends security contract for downtown and Marketplace parking garages through FY25

The Burlington City Council on Monday authorized the director of public works to amend the FY24–FY25 security contract with Green Mountain Concert Services to extend security coverage at the downtown and Marketplace parking garages through Sept. 30, 2025, for up to an additional $115,000, bringing the contract authorization to a not‑to‑exceed $395,000 total.

Councilor Milo Grant moved the authorization and the council approved the motion unanimously. Director Chapin Spencer and Division Director Jackie Asperti described the current approach: two private‑security shifts cover marketplace and downtown garages, supplemented by occasional Chittenden County sheriff shifts during weekday daytime hours when available. City staff said overnight vandalism in the downtown garage has declined from a previous spike but activity and cleanup needs — including graffiti removal and stairwell maintenance in the Marketplace garage — continue to require staffing.

Spencer said annual spending on garage security has ranged in recent years from about $105,000 to roughly $250,000 depending on hours and locations covered and that the FY25 budget contains funds for the extension. Councilor Grant said continued visible presence helps reduce repeat incidents and supports downtown businesses; the council approved the extension with a second from Councilor Bergman.

The council asked staff to provide incident and staffing data after the meeting; staff said Burlington Police Department has access to garage cameras and that BPD dispatch has increased monitoring and response in coordination with security contractors.