Santa Fe County funds Office of Emergency Management outreach coordinator, adds vehicles in FY26 budget

Santa Fe County’s proposed FY26 budget includes operational funding and a staffing plan for the county’s newly created Office of Emergency Management, with an outreach coordinator post and vehicle requests among the highest items discussed during the presentation.

Director Call told the commission the outreach coordinator is responsible for community outreach, reverse 9‑1‑1 and Alert Santa Fe signups; the coordinator’s salary line covers outreach activities, and the communications team will support digital and print messaging.

Why this matters: The OEM’s outreach work is intended to expand preparedness across county communities, run community events such as evacuation planning sessions, and coordinate alerts with the Regional Emergency Communications Center (RECC) and the sheriff’s office.

Commissioners asked how OEM alerts are issued. Director Call said the sheriff’s office typically requests road‑closure alerts through RECC because deputies are first on scene; OEM can send alerts through Alert Santa Fe and works with the county public information officer on newsletters and social messaging. He said OEM staff will develop evacuation zone plans and hold regional outreach events, and that the office plans four large outreach events in the coming cycle.

Director Call also noted the OEM budget request includes fixed asset vehicle purchases to support operations and to return loaner vehicles to the fire department. Commissioners asked for clear coordination on when the county issues roadside or traffic alerts; Call said OEM will coordinate with RECC and the sheriff’s office to improve timeliness and coverage.

Ending: The commission discussed additional community engagement and requested that OEM continue to work with growth management and local community organizations to hold targeted meetings and outreach events.