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After debate over cost and metrics, council moves to end temporary Covered 6 security contract
Summary
Following public criticism and commission review of a private security contractor that patrolled burn‑area properties, the council signaled it will not extend the Covered 6 contract beyond its current term and directed staff to coordinate with the Sheriff's Department and neighborhood volunteers for a transition.
Council members and public commenters raised concerns about the cost effectiveness of a private security contractor (Covered 6 LLC) that has provided patrols in fire‑affected neighborhoods. Public Safety Commission materials showed hundreds of property checks and dozens of identified trespass incidents during a 15‑week deployment, but several residents and councilmembers called the roughly $250,000 per‑month cost excessive.
Online commenter Ryan and others said the program’s metrics may have included duplicate counts and urged scaling back. Staff said the Public Safety Commission recommended a 60‑day extension while staff explored options to reduce costs; FEMA reimbursement of an initial portion of the contract was also discussed in the FEMA public‑assistance briefing. Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the deterrent value while noting the city cannot sustain the expense long term and asked the Sheriff’s Department about alternative tools (drones, stationary cameras, community watch coordination).
Council’s prevailing direction was to allow the contract to expire and rely on the Sheriff and community patrols while staff explores lower‑cost models and any available FEMA reimbursement for the contract’s eligible portion.
