ROSWELL, N.M. — Roswell officials are seeking a six-month contract extension worth more than $269,000 as they work to address an ongoing shortage of 911 dispatchers at the Pecos Valley Regional Communications Center.
The communications center, which dispatches police, fire, and emergency services throughout Chaves County, currently has six vacant dispatcher positions, leaving existing staff to work additional hours to maintain coverage.
According to Dispatch Director Alison Herring, recruiting and retaining dispatchers remains a challenge because of the high-stress nature of the job.
The center handled more than 129,000 phone calls in 2025, including more than 34,000 emergency 911 calls, and officials say demand for emergency communication services remains strong.
To help manage staffing shortages, the city has used getRESQ911, a temporary dispatch staffing service, since 2024. The center previously employed five contract dispatchers through the service and currently has three.
City leaders are now seeking another six-month agreement that would provide immediate staffing support while the communications center continues recruiting and training permanent employees.
Officials say the additional staffing is especially important as Roswell prepares for major events that bring increased activity to the area throughout the year.
The proposed contract is currently moving through the city’s approval process. If approved, the extension would take effect immediately and remain in place through January 2027.
