RECC seeks technology upgrades and staff pay adjustments as 10 dispatch vacancies persist

Santa Fe County's regional emergency communications center (RECC) asked the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday for technology upgrades, server replacements and funding for collective bargaining to help fill longstanding dispatcher vacancies.

RECC Director Roberto Luhan told the board the RECC faces about 10 current vacancies and is seeking funds for upgrades that include an enhanced rapidSOS Unite package, a new computer‑aided dispatch (CAD) server and Motorola MCC rugged laptops that permit full radio functionality from any internet connection. Manager Schaeffer said the FY2026 package also includes funds to support collective bargaining with RECC's bargaining unit to address salaries and retention.

Why it matters: Dispatch staffing and resilient communications are core to 9‑1‑1 response. Gaps in staffing and outdated equipment can increase emergency response times and reduce redundancy during special events or facility evacuations.

Director Luhan said the RECC budget shows a net increase in the operations fund driven largely by capital requests; he reported a travel increase for required 9‑1‑1 and GIS training and an annual services line increase for software licensing. “We do have, 10 vacancies at this time,” Luhan said, noting one candidate for a higher-level ECS 3 position was scheduled for interview. He said RECC is fully staffed for entry-level call takers (ECS 1) but needs certified radio/dispatch staff.

Manager Schaeffer said some capital purchases for RECC are intended to be shared with the City of Santa Fe and Town of Edgewood under the joint governance of RECC and that portions of the mobile command trailer will be split when the city includes its share in its budget. Schaeffer also briefed the board on plans to propose a short-term operational support agreement with Espanola 9‑1‑1 to provide operational assistance and open a pathway for future regional consolidation studies.

Commissioners discussed alternative staffing models and peak-hour staffing adjustments during upcoming collective-bargaining talks. Commissioner Green urged consideration of flexible schedules, part-time positions and peak-hour staffing based on analytics; Director Luhan said he is reviewing peak-hour call volumes in detail and will bring proposals as bargaining begins.

Procurement and cost questions: Commissioner Adam Johnson asked about the Motorola MCC laptops priced as emergency-redundancy devices; Director Luhan said they are tested redundancy units and would increase the number of consoles tracked in the RECC support agreement. The board received detailed fixed-asset quotes and asked staff to return with finalized costs and coordination with city partners.

What’s next: RECC staff will move forward with bargaining preparations, pursue recruitment events, and coordinate with county IT and city partners on final quotes and shared capital funding decisions.