Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
The region’s 911 center took another step to moving into new headquarters when it hired an engineer to oversee the transition.
The Tucumcari/Quay Regional Emergency Communications Board voted Wednesday to hire WHPacific of Albuquerque, aka NV5, to be the project manager in moving the dispatch center from the Tucumcari Police Department to the former Bob’s Budget Pharmacy building at 511 S. Second St.
The contract’s cost would be $51,804, which county manager Daniel Zamora said was below the threshold for more stringent procurement rules for contracts of $60,000 and higher.
Paul Browne, project manager and architect for the company, said via videoconference his company would oversee renovations of the building, including electrical and plumbing work and fencing around the site.
The board voted earlier this year to purchase the building for $190,000.
In other business:
— The board discussed a proposed memorandum of understanding with the City of Tucumcari.
The agreement would have the Tucumcari/Quay Regional Emergency Communications pay $1,349 a month in rent at the police department, plus 35% of its electric bill and 40% of the cost to buy, maintain and operate a backup power generator for the center. The rent is rising from $899 because the center wants a second office at TPD.
The city would be responsible for water, natural gas and 65% of the electric bill.
The pact comes with a 90-day termination notice.
— Board members discussed the forthcoming 2024-2025 budget. Jamie Luaders, director of the center, said she is considering adding one full-time and one part-time worker, giving it a minimum of two per shift.
Some of those salaries can be covered by the state Law Enforcement Recruiting Fund.
Luaders said she initially proposed a $1-an-hour raise for dispatchers, adding “I don’t want to be financial burden.”
Board member Toni Stoner questioned whether that was sufficient: “Is a $1 raise enough?”
Even with the raise, Tucumcari/Quay Regional Emergency Communications would be tied for the lowest pay range in New Mexico.
Zamora said he can present an option for $1 or $2 raises, noting the county is “in a better position” to add workers or raises.
— The board approved a $10,504.80 quote from Motorola Solutions to maintain the center’s servers.
Board members discussed trying to find a new IT contractor. Plateau is the center’s IT services provider, but the company is transitioning out of that. Plateau has pledged to honor its contract through mid-2026, though board members said it might be prudent to find a new IT vendor well before then.