Hobbs approves MOA with FOP lodging 18% compensation increase, extends term to 2028

The Hobbs City Commission approved Resolution 77‑29 on Feb. 11 authorizing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Fraternal Order of Police, Lee County Lodge No. 9, that modifies several articles of the city’s collective bargaining agreement.

City Manager Manny Gomez told the commission the MOA extends the agreement’s term to June 30, 2028 (replacing the prior June 30, 2027 end date) and includes an 18% compensation increase intended to relieve pay‑compression across ranks in the Hobbs Police Department. Gomez said the changes also affect overtime and paid time off (specifying PTO will not count as hours worked for overtime calculations) and remove language that previously gave preference to a current sergeant based on seniority when filling certain vacancies.

Gomez said staff previously presented similar bargaining items on Nov. 17, 2025, and that the commission had approved associated budget adjustments; he reported the estimated annualized fiscal impact of the MOA is $252,114 with roughly $87,000 required for the remainder of the fiscal year (approximately nine pay periods).

Gomez confirmed the agreement had been ratified and signed by the union prior to the meeting. Commissioners praised the negotiations; a motion to approve the resolution passed by voice vote. Gomez said human resources and the interim police chief, along with union representatives, participated in the negotiations.

The MOA will be implemented consistent with the budget adjustments previously approved and with standard personnel and finance processes.