County approves two‑year extension with Permar Security for courthouse security; hourly rates rise about 3%

The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors approved a two‑year contract extension with Permar Security Services May 12 to continue security officer services at the courthouse through July 30, 2028, with modest hourly rate increases.

Facilities staff presented the contract terms recommended to the board: year‑one guard rate at $24.40 per hour and year‑two guard rate at $25.14 per hour; supervisor and overtime billing rates were also specified. Staff said the change represented about a 3% increase over the existing contract.

Facilities Director Rory Gibbing noted the increase was relatively small in percentage terms: "With the increase over the existing contract, it is about a 3% increase, which equates to about 72 cents an hour for the guard," he said. The board discussed incorporation of a 30‑day clause and confirmed standard contract terms.

Board members approved the resolution for the contract extension and authorized the chair to sign as recommended by the facilities director. The motion carried by roll call.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the contract language including the 30‑day clause and return the executed agreement and implementation details.