Approval to implement a new pay chart for  all personnel at the Pecos Valley Regional Communications Center to improve recruitment, retention, and operational stability. (Gass/Herring)

Initiated by: Alison Herring

The Pecos Valley Regional Communications Center is a consolidated 911 dispatch center providing emergency communication services for multiple agencies, including law enforcement and fire services across Chaves County. Dispatchers are responsible for high-stress, critical operations that directly impact public safety outcomes for residents and the many visitors to our community. 

The center is currently experiencing significant staffing shortages and ongoing challenges in retaining qualified personnel. Contributing factors include below-market wages compared to surrounding agencies, excessive overtime demands, and job-related stress.

At present, the center relies on three contracted dispatchers who are compensated at significantly higher hourly rates than full-time staff. These contracts are set to expire in July, which presents an imminent risk of further staffing shortages. Additionally, the upcoming relocation will require adequate staffing levels to maintain operations across multiple sites during the transition.

Without intervention, the center risks continued turnover, increased burnout among remaining staff, and potential impacts to service quality and response times.

The proposed wage increase is not expected to require a budget adjustment for Fiscal Year 2026. Due to current staffing shortages, the personnel budget for dispatch positions is not projected to be fully expended this fiscal year. Additionally, a vacant Training Coordinator position will remain unfilled for the remainder of the fiscal year, further contributing to available salary savings.

Funding for increased wages has already been incorporated into the Fiscal Year 2027 budget through coordination with the City Manager and Finance Department.

Implementation of this adjustment may also reduce overall costs by:

• Decreasing reliance on high-cost contract dispatchers
• Reducing overtime expenditures
• Lowering turnover-related costs such as recruitment and training

Maintaining the current pay structure may result in continued higher expenses associated with contract staffing and excessive overtime.

No legal review at this time.

The Public Safety Committee reviewed this item, and it passed 4–0. The Finance Committee recommended approval 5-0 at its meeting on May 7, 2026.

Proceed as presented.