MSS Security, a Sydney-based firm with offices in every capital city, proposed a transition plan that aimed to keep 85 per cent of the present workforce if its tender was successful.

The provider for the past six years, SNP Security, suggested sub-contracting screening operations to an Albury-Wodonga company and retaining the airport’s screening staff.

About 16 staff members presently screen passengers and checked baggage for departing air services at Albury.

Monday’s Albury Council meeting will discuss which company wins the five-year contract, budgeted to be worth $5,753,066.

Council officers recommended the lower tender of MSS Security be accepted although SNP Security’s bid was also less than the budget forecast.

Five other companies, including one from the Border, also submitted tenders, but they were considered to have limited or no experience in airport security screening services.

Albury mayor Kevin Mack said MSS Security had a strong presence in aviation.

“However SNP have been at the airport since 2010 and they’ve not put a foot wrong,” he said.

“So it’s a difficult one and it’s come down to cost, but cost is not the only thing … that we consider when we look at tenders, so it will be an interesting discussion.

“The report’s all fine and clearly both can do the job.”

Cr Mack said the job loss might equate to about two part-time positions while the cost difference between the tenders worked out to about 31 cents a passenger.

“Does that warrant changing it? I don’t know, but we’ll have that discussion (Monday) night,” he said.

“There’s a fine balance in addressing the issues and needs of the tender and, certainly, the needs of the community. Our new council has shown a very strong, consistent level of loyalty.”