Springfield city buildings will see an increase in security, but only by a narrow margin.

In a 5 to 4 vote the city council passed the ordinance Monday night.

The city will spend $125,000 for metal detectors and security officers

Right now anyone could bring a weapon into any city building unchecked.

The security increase would add two security officers to both City Hall and the Busch Municipal Building to operate metal detectors.

The metal detectors will cost about $12,000.

The rest of the $125,000 will pay for the security officers.

Council members and the mayor were split on the issue.

Mayor Tom Carlson said he did not feel it was a responsible use of tax-payer money.

Other council members said security improvements are just common sense in light of the Kirkwood, MO city council shootings and a recent incident here in Springfield.

Some citizens sided with mayor.

Citizen Tom Martz who attends nearly 90-95% of city council meetings said, “I don’t want people to think I’m not about safety.”

Martz says, “It’s been proven that violence inside city buildings is so small it wouldn’t make a difference.”

City staff who recommended the improvements is pleased with the council’s decision.

"There have been some high profile incidents that most people are aware of.” Assistant City Manager Collin Quigley said, “There are a lot of heated discussions about local government and we want people to be able to come here without worrying about any issues.”

The city just recently increased security at the Busch Municipal Building requiring visitors to sign in and get a badge.

The badge is only way visitors can access the elevator.

The metal detectors will be installed after the city chooses an outside security company to staff the devices.