Font ResizeMESILLA - Sometimes, the perks of a job can make a difference.
Case in point is the Mesilla Marshal's Department, which had its take-home patrol car policy rescinded by the Mesilla board of trustees in 2008 when town government began feeling the effects of reduced gross receipts tax collections as a result of the recession.
"Morale dropped and it took a big toll," Marshal Jeff Gray said. "The statistics showed that."
Gray was in a position at Monday's board of trustees meeting, at Mesilla Town Hall, where he had to make a compelling argument for reinstating the program. Gray was able to do just that, convincing three of the town's four trustees that allowing deputy marshals to again take their patrol cars home wouldn't be to the detriment of town government.
Trustees Carlos Arzabal Jr., Sam Bernal and Linda Flores voted to resume the policy, but Trustee Jesus Caro felt that the trustees needed to continue a fiscally conservative posture and refrain from bringing added costs to town government. But the board's decision didn't come without numerous questions and about 90 minutes of discussions and further consideration.
"Marshal, you did a good job of convincing us," Flores said shortly after the trustees' 3-1 vote to reinstate the take-home car policy. "I came here prepared to vote against it."
Gray said the anticipated $4,000 that will be needed to pay for gasoline for the town's five patrol cars will come from within the Marshal's Department budget. Town Clerk
"There's some pretty strict stipulations in the policy," Gray said. "Deputies will be able to take home their cars with the understanding that they must be able to handle any calls made to them at any time, that they must be available to work at any given time, and that they're also available for any training or court appearances that they would be required to be at.
"The policy already included a provision that they would have to live within a 25 mile, one-way, distance of Mesilla. That's important because none of our deputies lives within the town limits. They will also be required to carry their duty weapon and ballistic vest in their vehicles at all times. They'll also be required for maintenance and upkeep of their vehicle that is beyond what the town already provides."
If the Marshal's Department was to experience a shortage in its fleet, a deputy could be required to share his or her patrol vehicle with another deputy.
But trustees left the door open to suspend the program again if budget constraints force them to make further cutbacks. Otherwise, the program will be allowed to resume until July, when Gray will be required to provide the board with an update. By then, a new fiscal year would have begun for the town.
Several residents also said they were impressed with Gray's justifications to trustees for reinstating the program.
"Jeff did a terrific job," said Mesilla resident Jack Jensen, a retired police officer who took his patrol vehicle home for 20 years.
Alexandra Nason Hall also complimented Gray for a compelling presentation.
"I came here with an open mind," Hall said. "As a resident, I wanted to know that the money that would be used for this program would not deplete any of the equipment the department has or diminish its capabilities in any way. I want to commend the board and thank you for all you're well-thought-out questions. I learned a lot from this presentation."
Steve Ramirez can be reached at (575) 541-5452.
