By Mike Smith
Carlsbad Current-Argus

Eddy County is set to receive $1.3 million over the next three years to hire 10 new corrections officers for the Eddy County Detention Center, said Warden Billy Massingill.

The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (NMDFA) offered $24.8 million for 189 new correctional officer’s positions to 22 local entities and the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD).

In Eddy County, the funding was welcomed to address staffing needs and improving operations within the Eddy County Detention Center (ECDC), said Savannah Cabezuela, Eddy County spokesperson.

Massingill said ECDC had 48 total staff vacancies and the NMDFA money would help with recruitment of new officers.

In a memorandum to the Eddy County Board of County Commissioners, he said the funds would be phased in over a three-year period starting in 2025.

NMDFA Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives Henry Valdez said the millions in state funds offsets the cost of new correctional officer’s salaries reinforcing the state’s commitment to enhancing security of correctional facilities and safeguarding New Mexico communities.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the investment showed New Mexico was serious about public safety and well-being for all communities.

“Correctional officer recruitment is essential for upholding safety within our facilities,” NMCD Cabinet Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero.

“By investing in these positions, the state reinforces its commitment to public safety and our agency mission to strengthen New Mexico communities.”

NMDFA Cabinet Secretary Wayne Propst said the state was addressing crucial public safety needs to boost law enforcement, police support staff and fire emergency services.

“The results are clear, we’ve already funded 190 firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and now 189 correctional officers,” he said.

Eddy County Sheriff Mark Cage, who served as president of New Mexico Counties in 2023, said the funding from NMDFA was a team effort as the State of New Mexico and all 33 counties worked together to acquire money for the new detention positions.

Mike Smith may be reached via phone at 575-308-8734 or email at msmith@currentargus.com.