During a recent government meeting, community concerns regarding staffing and resource allocation were brought to the forefront, highlighting significant issues within local services.

A resident expressed frustration over the closure of the Olympic pool due to a lack of lifeguards, questioning the city's ability to provide adequate staffing for public facilities. The resident emphasized their commitment to swimming, noting they swim daily and feel capable without lifeguard supervision. The discussion revealed a broader issue of employee compensation, as the resident suggested that inadequate pay may be contributing to staffing shortages.

The meeting also featured representatives from the Hobbs Police Department, who voiced concerns about underpayment and staffing shortages within their ranks. Susan Santa, speaking on behalf of civilian staff, highlighted that despite increased workloads, pay raises have been minimal, with some employees receiving as little as 64 cents over the past year. She pointed out that neighboring agencies offer significantly higher salaries for similar roles, exacerbating retention issues.

David Torres, a sergeant and union president, detailed the alarming call volume handled by the Hobbs Police Department, which far exceeds that of surrounding agencies. He reported that the department is currently understaffed, with only 19 patrol officers available to respond to over 57,000 calls annually. Torres emphasized the urgent need for better compensation and support to retain officers, many of whom are considering leaving for better-paying positions elsewhere.

City officials acknowledged the concerns raised, noting ongoing discussions about addressing these issues. They expressed appreciation for the dedication of the police department staff and indicated a willingness to explore potential solutions, including revisiting collective bargaining agreements to improve compensation and working conditions.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the consent agenda, signaling a commitment to continue addressing community and departmental concerns in future discussions.