Tularosa Basin Regional Dispatch Authority Director Departs Employment - Vindicating City Position

Alamogordo, NM – February 2026 — The long-troubled Tularosa Basin Regional Dispatch Authority (TBRDA) under the control of Sheriff Blacks leadership has parted ways with its 911 Director, John Barney.  The reasons and mechanics around the departure have not yet been released by Otero County officials.

The departure marks the latest chapter in a saga of operational, staffing, and governance controversies that ultimately prompted the City of Alamogordo to withdraw from the joint dispatch center and triggered a sharp rift between city and county governments.

The TBRDA was created in 2022 through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the City of Alamogordo and Otero County. The goal was to consolidate 911 and emergency communications services for Alamogordo, Tularosa, Cloudcroft, and rural county areas, promising cost savings and improved coordination. Instead, the authority quickly became mired in disputes.

From its early days, the TBRDA faced persistent staffing shortages, complaints about dispatch errors, and questions surrounding the effectiveness of its leadership. Former dispatchers publicly described a hostile work environment, inadequate training, and management practices that undermined morale. City officials, including the Alamogordo Police Chief and Fire Chief, repeatedly raised concerns about operational deficiencies and the lack of meaningful oversight by the governing board.

A core flashpoint was governance. County commissioners interpreted the JPA as giving them ultimate authority, treating the appointed board as merely advisory. City leaders argued this undermined the collaborative intent of the agreement and left the city — which contributed roughly $1 million annually and was asked to shoulder 60% of a proposed $4.2 million budget — with little direct control over operations or personnel decisions. Reports indicated the county renewed the director’s contract without full board approval and canceled board meetings requested to address these issues.

The director’s departure follows a contract renewal recommendation issued last year by Otero County Attorney R.B. Nichols, who had previously voiced strong support for Mr. Barney.

As reported by 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News on April 23, 2025, in the story “Otero County Attorney RB Nichols Responds to Dispatch Authority Controversy”:

Mr. Nichols in his response included the contract for the dispatch department leader, his letter of recommendation for contract renewal, the job description of the Executive Director, and a letter of support.

The Contract for the ED

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1apxVzrKnbF7CvByObw0piQm_BtJcV5HS/view?usp=sharing

Tensions boiled over in April 2025. After extensive staff briefings and public testimony from current and former dispatchers, the Alamogordo City Commission voted 4-3 to begin the withdrawal process. The city cited “operational deficiencies, governance limitations, and unresolved issues with the Joint Powers Agreement and proposed budget.” The split vote highlighted deep divisions on the commission. Commissioner Josh Rardin and Steven Burnett led faction argued against withdrawal, calling it a financial mistake, and engaged in what observers described as condescending dialogue toward then-Mayor Susan Payne during the meeting. This faction of Rardin and Burnett has used this issue as a factor against hiring Dr Hernandez's suggesting her supporting of her fire and police chief's recommendation of withdrawal was wrong.

The decision to depart triggered a public rift between city and county officials. Joint meetings intended to “clear the air” on the dispatch split and other issues instead exposed ongoing friction

Otero County Commissioner Amy Barela and County Attorney R.B. Nichols pushed back against the city’s narrative, while city staff stood firm on their concerns which have now been further validated and vindicated.

The withdrawal took effect in early 2026, allowing Alamogordo to reestablish its own dispatch operations. Hilton Chapman, who had served as TBRDA Deputy Director, was hired as the city’s new Communications Manager.

The controversies surrounding the TBRDA and the city’s withdrawal created lasting hostility on the Alamogordo City Commission which have impacted the ongoing search for a ciry manger. Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie Hernandez, who played a key role in supporting the police and fire departments’ recommendations during the process, has faced pushback from a faction led by Commissioner Josh Rardinand Commissioner Steve Burnett wjich continues daily. This group has clashed with city operations leadership on multiple fronts overcthe last several years, including first-responder pay increases championed by former Mayor Payne and broader administrative decisions.

Former Mayor Susan Payne, who oversaw the city’s initial concerns and the eventual withdrawal vote during her tenure, has been vindicated by subsequent developments as has her support for backing Dr Hernandes and the city police and fire chief aroubd this issue. The persistent leadership and operational issues at the TBRDA, the city’s successful transition to independent dispatch, and now the departure of the director she and city staff had questioned all underscore the validity of the concerns raised under her administration.

Mrs Payne was asked for comment and she inferred the action of departure speaks for itself.

The county continues to operate the TBRDA for its remaining partners. As of late 2025, the authority was still reporting call volumes and system improvements under Director Barney, but the city’s exit and the director’s departure signal a major reset for the once-promised regional partnership.

The city has reported a recent graduation of new internal dispatch authority staff with the new Mayor Sharon McDonald and Commissioner Warren Robinson in attendance in Santa Fe to show their pride and support for their recent training and accomplishments.

County and city leaders have not yet issued formal statements on the director’s departure.

Alamogordo Town News has sent an IPRA request and a direct question to county leadership seeking documents related to the departure and an official statement from the county. As of press time, no response or statement has been received.

This story will be updated as more details emerge regarding the reasons for the director’s departure and any transition plans at the TBRDA.

Sources / Citations

• 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News, “Otero County Attorney RB Nichols Responds to Dispatch Authority Controversy,” April 23, 2025

• Otero County Attorney R.B. Nichols correspondence and attached documents (contract, recommendation letter, job description, letters of support)

• Public records and meeting minutes from Alamogordo City Commission and Otero County Commission, 2024–2026

• Statements from former and current dispatch staff, city police/fire leadership, and public meetings (2024–2025)

More News from Alamogordo

• Alamogordo Mayor Sharon McDonald Honored at State Capitol During African American Day A celebration of Black. Achievement recognized at New Mexico State Capitol
• Four Candidates Submited Detailed Responses for Alamogordo District 5 City Commission Appointment Responses to be released Saturday afternoon....