Portland City Commissioners unanimously approved a contract Wednesday that provides funding for 3 additional armed security guards to patrol City Hall and other government buildings.

The change takes effect February 1st, at the cost of $661,000.

Commissioner Mingus Mapps noted, "Safety on the job is a major concern for this council... Environmental Services Staff tell me they have seen dramatic increase in violence and vandalism at pump station facilities."

Mayor Ted Wheeler also commented on the needed presence of more security guards.

Across the board we are seeing more violence directed toward local goverment officials.

More background on the ordinance can be found here.

Discussion about the security guards begins at approximately 1:33:00 in the attached City Council meeting stream