Miramar to add armed security guards at water plants. Here’s what it will cost
Citing heightened security concerns, the city of Miramar is moving from unarmed to armed 24/7 protection at its water and wastewater plants, committing more than $2 million over the next three years to safeguard its critical infrastructure.
At their Monday, Feb. 23, meeting, commissioners unanimously approved awarding a new contract to Securtec of Florida LLC of West Palm Beach, the lowest bidder out of 14 companies. Securtec will begin providing the heightened protection March 1.
The resolution says that the city determined armed security services are necessary to enhance protection of critical infrastructure, which is often considered sensitive due to public health and safety implications, according to the office of City Manager Roy Virgin.
The Miramar News reached out to Mayor Wayne M. Messam for comment but did not get an immediate response.
Under the new contract, approved without public discussion, commissioners awarded the “Armed Security Guard Services” bid to Securtec for an annual amount not to exceed $740,597.36.
The contract calls for an initial three-year term with two optional one-year renewals, committing the city to more than $2.2 million over the base term.
Here are the facilities receiving around-the-clock armed guards:
- West Water Treatment Plant, 4100 S. Flamingo Road
- East Water Treatment Plant, 2600 SW 66th Terrace
- Wastewater Reclamation Facility, 13900 Pembroke Road
The city’s previous agreement, launched in 2021, provided unarmed security guards at the Miramar Cultural Center Arts Park, the Wastewater Reclamation Facility and the Multi-Service Complex.
The new contract significantly expands armed security coverage. It also requires armed guards during regular business hours at the Building, Planning and Zoning Division, as well as other designated facilities during holidays, weekends and special events as needed.
The item carries a fiscal impact and is funded through multiple utilities and general fund accounts.
For fiscal year 2026, funding is allocated across three utilities department accounts for security services, each budgeted at $127,964.06, along with $48,122.95 from the Building, Planning and Zoning Division’s contract services account.
For fiscal year 2027, projected funding increases to $219,366.96 in each of the three utilities accounts, plus $82,496.48 from Building, Planning and Zoning, pending commission approval of the FY27 budget.
