Committee approves $8.8 million security contract amendment after calls for strategic review

The Santa Fe Finance Committee on June 9 approved Amendment No. 4 to contract 22-0303 with Condor New Age Logistics LLC, increasing compensation by $2,200,000 to a total of $8,800,000 and extending the contract term to June 30, 2028.

Councilor Cassett led a sustained questioning of the contract’s long‑term implications, saying the city’s use of private security has been large and recurring. “I’m looking at almost $21,000,000 in security contracts over 6 years,” Cassett said, urging staff to prepare a strategic plan that could consider one‑time infrastructure investments (better cameras or lighting) or changes to staffing if police vacancies improve.

Travis Dutton Leda, the city’s chief procurement officer, who was identified by staff for the item, said he welcomed further conversations. “I don’t have much to add. I do welcome the opportunity to discuss, and I’m always open to doing things better,” Dutton Leda said.

Committee members noted the contract had been managed under Public Works and that responsibility is being moved to Finance, which they said could change how oversight and future renewals are handled. A motion to approve the amendment carried on a roll call recorded by the clerk; Councilor Cassett, Councilor Garcia, Councilor Bustamante and Chair Faulkner voted yes.

The committee’s record shows interest in a follow‑up review of the city’s reliance on private security and a desire for staff to present options in a future meeting, but the vote approved only the contract amendment on the table.