Border Community Rancher Mutual Aid Calculator

Border communities rely on mutual aid

Ranchers along the southern border often coordinate patrols, share night-vision gear, and supply humanitarian relief to migrants or neighbors in distress. These networks operate on tight budgets and prefer private solutions over expanded federal intervention. The Border Community Rancher Mutual Aid Calculator helps co-ops capture the true cost of fuel, equipment depreciation, and volunteer labor so they can set dues and prioritize patrol coverage.

Patrols typically combine vehicle sweeps with observation posts. Night operations require additional fuel and gear wear, while humanitarian efforts involve stocking water, food, and medical kits. Documenting these costs provides transparency when ranchers brief county commissioners or lobby for state support.

Calculations

Monthly patrol mileage equals daily miles multiplied by patrol days. Fuel cost is mileage times cost per mile, adjusted upward for night operations by 15 percent to reflect idling and auxiliary power. Equipment reserves divide shared equipment cost by its replacement cycle. Volunteer hours are monetized to show the in-kind contribution of families standing watch. Net expenses subtract state support and volunteer value before dividing by ranches to determine dues.

Example

Assume nine ranches patrol 85 miles per day for 22 days each month. Fuel costs $0.70 per mile and night operations represent 45 percent of patrols. Shared equipment worth $180,000 is replaced every six years. The co-op budgets $2,400 monthly for humanitarian aid and receives $3,000 in state support. Volunteers contribute 420 hours at $22 per hour. The calculator shows total monthly costs of about $7,900 after support, producing dues of $877 per ranch. Patrol coverage equals roughly 20,000 acres per ranch based on average acreage.

Limitations

The model assumes consistent patrol schedules and ignores emergency surges. Record actual mileage to refine cost-per-mile assumptions. Volunteer fatigue can reduce available hours; adjust values accordingly. Always coordinate with law enforcement to ensure patrols comply with state laws and respect property rights.