For several months the council has been considering employing the South Australian Special Operations Group (SASOG), a private security firm, to help wipe out widespread vandalism in Murray Bridge.

However, two councillors hit out at the idea on Monday, saying its price tag of up to $300,000 may not be cost effective and employing the group could stigmatise the city.

Councillor Clem Schubert said it would be unfair to ask ratepayers outside of Murray Bridge and its central business district to pay for a service that would not affect them.

He suggested offering large rewards for the conviction of vandals would be a fairer system and would deter the petty criminals from damaging public property.

In a rare occurrence for the council Cr Bob England backed Cr Schubert, saying the city ran the risk of attracting negative press if it was seen in the same light as Ceduna or Port Augusta, whose councils have already employed the service to deal with vandalism and violence on their streets.

Councillors June Phillips and Milton Weinert, however, supported employing the group, saying it had assisted Ceduna police in cracking down on criminals and would save money spent on repairing the vandals' damage.

"If this can stop even a percentage of that (damage), the funds that council would spend on vandalism would surely be offset," Cr Phillips said.

Cr Weinert called for council to further investigate the program before committing to an agreement with the SASOG.

The council resolved to convene a workshop with South Australia Police and government and community groups to investigate funding options for the patrols should the plan receive community support.