Ben Gates has been the only lawman in the eastern New Mexico village of San Jon (population around 300) for the past 11 years, but local officials say they're not sure whether they can continue to afford his $33,900 a year salary, the Quay County Sun reported.

The San Jon village board recently tabled a motion for a "reduction in force" after local residents sounded off on behalf of the officer, the Sun reported.

Village Administrator Bobbye Rose said San Jon has a suffered a $50,000 cut in gross-receipts taxes following the opening of two new truck plazas in Tucumcari, saying, "It has cut us off at the knees."

Debbie Stoner, a San Jon volunteer emergency medical technician, suggested that each of the village's six employees take a salary cut to cover Gates' salary, saying San Jon needs a law officer to deal with things like domestic violence incidents, the Sun reported.

Other law enforcement agencies could respond to situations, but it would take Quay County sheriff's deputies or New Mexico State Police between 45 minutes to an hour to respond, Stoner said.

"Ben needs to stay here," said Kurt Simonson, owner of the village's only motel, the San Jon Motel.

Village Attorney Warren Frost suggested that the board seek ways to negotiate Gates' salary with the Quay County Sheriff's Office or the county commission, the Sun reported.

Following the recent meeting where Gates' future was discussed, 10 citizens signed a pledge to put up more than $10,000 toward the policeman's salary, according to the Sun. 

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