Otero County Seeks New 911 Director to Rebuild Fractured Dispatch Authority

ALAMOGORDO, NM — Otero County has officially launched its search for a new Director of the Tularosa Basin Regional Dispatch Authority (TBRDA), an agency currently navigating a period of intense public scrutiny, leadership turnover, and a high-profile split with the City of Alamogordo.

The vacancy follows the February 2026 departure of former director John Barney, whose tenure was marked by a deepening rift between city and county officials. The incoming leader will be tasked with more than just managing emergency frequencies; they will inherit the challenge of mending professional relationships and restoring public trust in a system that has been described as "troubled" and riddled with controversy and coverups. 

A Legacy of Controversy

The TBRDA was established in 2022 as a collaborative model for regionalized emergency services. However, the partnership quickly soured. In April 2025, the Alamogordo City Commission voted 4-3 to withdraw from the authority, citing "operational deficiencies" and "unresolved governance issues," upon a strong recommendation from both the Alamogordo City Police and Fire Chief citing safety concerns for their staff as a result of issues with incorrect information transmitted to staff from the dispatch authority. 

Also adding to the controversy were allegations from former dispatchers, including Mikayla Finnegan and Rachel Craig, who testified via public comments to a "hostile work environment" and management practices that they claimed decimated staff morale and undermined training.

Furthermore, Alamogordo city officials alleged that the county had renewed Director Barney’s contract without the full approval of the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) board and had repeatedly canceled meetings intended to provide oversight.

The Need for a "Fence Mender"

With Alamogordo now operating its own independent dispatch center as of early 2026, the TBRDA must redefine its role within the county. The Board of Commissioners is looking for a director who can provide stable leadership for the remaining member agencies, including Tularosa and Cloudcroft.

The ideal candidate must balance technical expertise with the interpersonal skills necessary to address:

• Staff Retention: Reversing a history of turnover and addressing past grievances regarding workplace culture.

• Intergovernmental Diplomacy: Coordinating with the newly independent Alamogordo dispatch to ensure seamless emergency handoffs between jurisdictions.

• Governance Transparency: Restoring a regular schedule of board meetings and adhering strictly to the Open Meetings Act to ensure all stakeholders have a voice.

Position Details and Requirements

The position oversees the coordination of law enforcement, fire, and ambulance services, as well as the management of complex communications equipment and million-dollar budgets.

• Qualifications: Applicants must have at least five years of 911 experience, including three years in a supervisory role. A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience is required.

• Requirements: A New Mexico Driver’s License and a Radio Communications Certification (to be obtained within one year).

• Compensation: Salary ranges from $85,000 to $97,480, plus benefits.

Applications are available at the Otero County Administration Office (1101 New York Avenue) or online at co.otero.nm.us. The position remains open until filled.

Sources & Citations:

1. 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News, "Tularosa Basin Regional Dispatch Authority Director Departs Employment," Feb. 14, 2026.

2. Citizen Portal, "Alamogordo votes to withdraw from Tularosa Basin regional dispatch authority after months of complaints," April 22, 2025.

3. 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News, "Otero County Government Could Teeter on Financial Brink Amid Lawsuits, Lost Revenues," Feb. 20, 2026.

4. Tularosa Basin Regional Dispatch Authority, "Official Board and Mission Statement," tbrda.org.

5. Otero County Personnel Postings, "Job Description: 911 Director," Feb. 2026.

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