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Commission raises contracted armed security pay to $20 an hour amid debate over contractor viability
Summary
After heated discussion, Gadsden County commissioners voted to raise the hourly renewal rate for IFW Security LLC from the current contract rate to $20 an hour for armed security at county libraries, the tax collector’s office and other sites; commissioners requested further monitoring of fiscal impact.
The Gadsden County Commission approved an increase to the renewal rate for IFW Security LLC, the company that provides armed security officers at several county facilities. The contract originally began in October 2022 and included renewals; staff asked the board to approve a rate move from $15 an hour to $17. Commissioners debated higher offers, with several urging a higher pay to retain local contractors and ensure quality.
After extended discussion about fiscal impact, bidding implications and whether the county should simply approve the requested $17 or increase pay to better support the contractor, a motion was made and seconded to set the renewal rate at $20 an hour. The board approved the motion in a voice/roll call vote recorded as 4–1 in favor.
During discussion commissioners emphasized two competing concerns: retaining qualified security officers at county sites and the aggregate long‑term cost of higher hourly rates across multiple buildings and shifts. One commissioner said higher pay would help local small businesses operating the contract avoid losing money to workers’ comp and other costs; another commissioner said the board should limit increases to what was requested unless the cost was justified with precise budgetary figures.
Next steps: staff will finalize the renewal paperwork at the approved $20/hour rate and return in six months if commissioners want a broader contract review or to rebid the service.
