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County Commission Proclaims Support for Metro Teen Court
Sandoval County, NM
May 20, 2013
The Sandoval County Commission has voiced its support for a program that diverts first-time juvenile offenders from the criminal justice system by having them serve sentences meted out by a jury of their peers.
The Metro Teen Court has operated in Bernalillo County since 2009. In that time, more than 400 youths charged with misdemeanor offenses such as shoplifting, traffic infractions or violating school rules have successfully completed peer-imposed sentences. Most of those sentences include some form of community service.
District 4 Commissioner Glenn Walters would like to see this nationally recognized program implemented in Sandoval County. While trying to work out the logistics for that to happen, Commissioner Walters convinced the rest of the commission to show its support for the program by proclaiming Saturday May 25, 2013 Metro Teen Court Day in Sandoval County.
That date was chosen because it’s the same day that 35 Federal, State and local public safety departments have designated as Metro Teen Court Public Safety Day. For the past five years, those agencies have used that day to host activities and demonstrations to show teens and their parents how the criminal justice system works. It’s also an opportunity to explain how communities benefit from Teen Court programs.
The local Metro Teen Court Event will take Saturday May 25, 1013 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in the Target parking lot at Paseo Del Norte and I-25 in Albuquerque.
The Sandoval County Commission voiced its support of Metro Teen Court at its regular meeting on May 16, 2013, where Timothy Lopez, 13-year-old Rio Rancho resident representing Boy Scout Troop 741 read a proclamation outlining the value of program.
The proclamation pointed out, among other things, that Metro Teen Court does not determine guilt or innocence but it does teach juvenile offenders to take responsibility for their actions. Youth who complete a Teen Court sentence within 90 days are able to keep their records clean. They also typically restore damage relationships and demonstrate personal character development, the proclamation read.
For additional info, including photos, visit the Sandoval County Facebook page.
County Manager Philip Rios Earns New Three-Year Contract
Sandoval County, NM
May 17, 2013
Phillip Rios has been awarded a new three-year contract to serve as Sandoval County Manager.
The County Commission approved the contract at its May 16 meeting. In voting to approve the contract, the commissioners all noted they were highly pleased with the job Rios has done since taking over as county manager roughly two and a half years ago.
Rios has been a county employee since 1999, serving as community services director and then public works director before stepping in as interim county manger in April 2011. He received his first contract as permanent county manager in October 2011.
The new contract, which takes effect on July 1, 2013, is a reflection of the confidence the commission has in Rios’ management ability. “I want to thank all of the county employees for helping me accomplish many of the goals the commission has set for the county over the past two years,” Rios said. “We now have new goals to conquer, and I’m sure I can count on that same support going forward.”
County Honors Seniors with Older Americans Month
Sandoval County, NM
May 03, 2013
The Sandoval County Commission has proclaimed May Older Americans Month. By making this declaration, the commission is participating in a nationwide tradition dating to 1963.
The theme for Older Americans Month 2013 is Unleash the Power of Age. “The theme for this month has never been more fitting,” Community Services Director Peggy Cote said when asking the commission to issue an Older Americans Month proclamation for Sandoval County.
“Older Americans are productive, active influential members of society,” Cote said. “They share essential talents, wisdom and life experience with their families, friends and neighbors.”
Just last month, the Sandoval County Senior Program lauded its core of volunteers for logging more than 43,799 hours of community service over the previous year, Cote added.
Throughout the month of May, Sandoval County seniors will be feted with a series of events, starting with Cinco de Mayo parties at the senior centers in Corrales and Bernalillo on Friday, May 03, 2013
Other events will take place at various senior centers throughout the county. The complete list of activities is here.
Pastor and Police Officer among Three “Community Heroes”
Sandoval County, NM
May 01, 2013
When people stream into the Fiesta Cultural Hispania in Rio Rancho’s Haynes Park on Saturday May 4, 2013, they will be fulfilling the vision of Saith "Si" Budagher.
This celebration of Spanish culture, now in its fourth year, is one of two major events designed to “build a bridge” between Rio Rancho’s First Baptist Church, where Budagher is senior pastor, and the larger community. The second is the Harvest Festival, the widely popular Halloween event that started more than 15 years ago.
“When I came to the church 15 years ago, my first goal was to reach out to the community,” Budagher said in a recent interview. “Realizing that families are the most important part of the community, we created the Harvest Festival as a way to bring families together.” Though the event started small, it quickly attracted support from local businesses, and is now the most heavily attended festival in Rio Rancho. Its success inspired formation of the Fiesta Cultural Hispania.
In addition to these two high-profile festivals, Budagher called on his congregation to reach out to the community in ways that are less visible, but perhaps more impactful. That sentiment spawned formation of a monthly clothing exchange known as Joan’s Closet, named after Joan Houghteling, a now-deceased church member who started the program, and a twice-monthly event called the Blessings Food Pantry that provides food for those in need.
For his work in spearheading these and other community service projects, Sandoval County Commissioner Glenn Walters has designated Budagher a “Sandoval County Community Hero.”
Passionate About Community Service
Budagher is one of three individuals slated to receive that designation at the regular meeting of the Sandoval County Commission on Thursday May 2, 2013. The others are Officer Walter Heaton from the Corrales Police Department and Arsenio Duran, a recently deceased resident of Placitas, who also was known for organizing fiestas and performing various acts of community service.
Commissioner Nora Scherzinger tabbed Officer Heaton for the award, noting that the 27-year veteran of the Corrales Police force has been the department’s DARE office since 1990. “He has been the inspiration to hundreds of elementary school children,” Commissioner Scherzinger says. “He is the antithesis of what people normally envision when thinking of a law enforcement officer. He is a kind person and he is passionate about his program. He truly cares about the welfare of all of youth. He is respected by the school staff, by parents, and the community at large. In Corrales, he’s everybody’s hero.”
Arsenio Duran was similarly passionate about the community of Placitas, according to Commissioner Orlando Lucero, who selected Duran as a Community Hero.
“From the time I became a commissioner in 2007, Arsenio would call me every Saturday and give me a list of things that needed to be addressed in the Village of Placitas,” Commissioner Lucero recalls.
That list was generated on the walks Duran took through the village each morning. However, his service to the community didn’t end with taking walks and making phone calls. Along with his wife, Valentina, and 10 children, Duran was constantly at work sprucing up the local church and cemetery. He also organized fiestas and made sure the locations were cleaned up after the festivities ended.
“Though he is no longer with us, we should recognize Arsenio Duran, his wife and family for a job well done,” Commissioner Lucero says.
The same could be said of all three Sandoval County Community Heroes.
Sandoval County Fire Department Bans Open Burning
Sandoval County, NM
April 30, 2013
The Sandoval County Fire Department has stopped issuing burn permits for the unincorporated areas of Sandoval County.
In recent days, the county fire department has responded to several wild land fires. In addition, several county residents who are accustomed to performing agricultural burns have reported their fires getting out of control.
“We realize that agricultural burning is crucial for certain farming operations,” Sandoval County Fire Chief James Maxon, said. “However, the risk of having a fire get out of control is too great at this point.”
As a result, all open flame sources such as campfires and agricultural burns will be banned until further notice.
“I strongly encourage everyone to be vigilant about fire prevention so a catastrophic fire does not occur,” Chief Maxon added.
In addition to the ban on open burning, the use of fireworks is prohibited in any wild land area in Sandoval County. The use propane grills is still allowed, though smoking outdoor is discouraged.
The fire ban and fireworks restrictions will be enforced by the Sandoval County Fire Marshal and the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone found to be conducting an open burn or using illegal fireworks will be subject to arrest and or fine. County residents should report illegal burning or fireworks to 505-891-7226.
For additional information, visit the fire department’s website.
Torreon Road Closed Until October for Construction
Sandoval County, NM
April 29, 2013
Torreon Road in Northwestern Sandoval County is closed for construction. The road will remain closed until sometime in October to accommodate completion of this long-awaited crucial project. Travelers using Torreon Road (also known as State Road 197) to get to and from the Albuquerque metro area will now have to travel through Cuba.
When heading north from the metro area, travelers will have to stay on New Mexico Highway 550 and go through Cuba, where they can connect with State Road 197 to access the northwest quadrant of the county, including areas such as the Torreon, Ojo Torreon, Ojo Encino and Counselor Chapters of the Navajo Nation.
Once construction is complete, travelers will once again be able to take San Luis Road off of NM 550 for quicker access to Torreon Road. At that time, the trip will be much smoother on the newly paved section of road. This map shows where the road is closed, and the alternative travel routes.
PNM and Sandoval County Partnering on Community Resource Fair
Sandoval County, NM
April 23, 2013
Any Sandoval County resident who needs help with financial, legal or heath-related issues should come to the County Administration Building the evening of Tuesday, April 30, 2013.
That evening, PNM and Sandoval County will be hosting a Community Resource Fair. Experts representing more than 35 local businesses and organizations will be on hand to answer questions on topics ranging from how to make a home more energy efficient to creating and maintaining a family budget or steps to take to further your education or enhance your career.
This family-friendly event will take place from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the lobby of County Administration, 1500 Idalia Rd., in Bernalillo. Here’s the list of organizations scheduled to be there:
Energy
- Low income weatherization assistance information and applications from Central NM Housing.
- Information on energy-saving programs, rebates and kits
- Free energy efficient light bulb
Legal
- Senior Citizens Law Office
- Legal Aid from District Court
- Pegasus Legal
Healthcare
- Lovelace
- The Sleep Center
- Amerigroup
- Hogares
- Wal-Mart Optical
- Senior Health Program
- Community Health
- Public Health
Community
- Rio Rancho Police Dept
- Rio Rancho Fire Dept
- Sandoval County Sherriff’s Office
- Sandoval County Assessor’s Office
- Sandoval County DWI Prevention Program
- Rio Rancho Public Schools
- Rio Rancho Parks and Recreation
- Watermelon Mountain Ranch
- Consumer Protection Division
Education, Business and Career
- WESST
- Bound for Success
- Central NM Community College
Help and Support
- NM Aging and Long-Term Services
- Sagebrush Church
- USB Financial Services
- PNM Good Neighbor Emergency Fund (Information for applicants only)
- True North Financial Ministries
- Samaritian Counseling Center
- Catholic Charities
- Home Ownership Preservation Program
Senior Program Honors Three Special Volunteers
Sandoval County, NM
April 22, 2013
The Sandoval County Senior Program recently recognized three individuals for their tireless efforts in volunteering to make life better for their fellow county residents.
The trio received Special Recognition Awards at the annual Senior Program Banquet, which took place April 11, 2013 at Chamisa Hills Country Club in Rio Rancho.
The honorees are:
- Tillie Lopez, who volunteers as a Senior Companion, spending numerous hours visiting with seniors who have trouble getting outside on a regular basis, or simply need someone with whom they can share a conversation.
- Rowena Nichols, who as a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program organized a group that knits and crochets items that are donated to organizations ranging from local hospitals to women’s shelters and preschools.
- Connie Jaramillo, who serves as a Foster Grandparent, offering tutoring and other services to elementary school students.
These three are among of host of senior citizens who freely donate their time and talents throughout the year in service to other county residents. From July 1, 2012 through mid April 2013, Sandoval County Senior Program volunteers have logged a total of 43,799 hours. Senior program officials estimate it would cost close to $750,000 to pay people to provide that level of service.
The honorees say their volunteer work rewards them in ways that can’t be measured in dollars. For instance, Lopez, the Senior Companion, says, “it feels good to help other people, and the clients appreciate my assistance.”
In a similar vein, Jaramillo, the Foster Grandparent, gets a warm feeling when a high school student who remembers her tutoring them as a youngster walks up, gives her a hug and says, “Hi, Grandma Connie.”
Visit the Senior Program web page for more information on Senior Volunteer Programs.
County Treasurer Extends Office Hours During Tax-Payment Season
Sandoval County, NM
April 11, 2013
The Sandoval County Treasurer will have extended office hours starting Monday April 8, 2013 to make it more convenient for citizens who need to come into the office to pay taxes.
Staff will be at the windows on the first floor of the County Administration Building from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. These extended hours will remain in effect through Friday June 28, 2013.
Second-half property tax payments for 2012 are due by May 10, 2013 to avoid incurring penalty or interest charges. The new hours will accommodate citizens who need to make payments on delinquent taxes, as well as anyone who wants to pay taxes due.
We're hoping this makes things easier for citizens who want to get errands out of the way early in the morning," says County Treasurer Laura M. Montoya. "It also should help people who need to come in to make payments before going to work."
These hours will be in place once again from November 10, 2013 through December 10, 2013, the time period for paying the first half of 2013 property taxes.
Governor Signs Property Tax Bills Championed by County Officials
Sandoval County, NM
April 5, 2013
New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez has signed two bills that will help New Mexico property owners, and Sandoval County elected officials played a large role in getting the measures passed.
One bill, SB 289, makes it easier for low-income elderly and disabled citizens to retain a freeze on the valuation of their property for the purposes of property taxes. This measure was sponsored by Senator Benny Shendo of Jemez Pueblo at the urging of Sandoval County Assessor Tom Garcia. A companion bill, also championed by Garcia, was sponsored by Rep. Paul Pacheco, who represents portions of Corrales and Albuquerque in the State House.
Ultimately, the Senate version of the bill made it through both chambers and to the Governor’s desk, where it was signed into law on Friday, April 5, 2013. Under this law, any senior citizen or disabled person who qualified for a valuation freeze on their primary residence for three consecutive years would no longer have the make the annual to a county assessor’s office to prove they were eligible that freeze.
To qualify for the freeze, a taxpayer would have to be at least 65 years of or disabled, with an annual income of $32,000 or less. After the three-year validation period, the freeze would stay in effect until the taxpayer’s situation changes, either through an increase in yearly income or a change in disability status.
Bipartisan Support
“This is a huge benefit for our senior and disabled citizens,” said Deputy County Assessor Christie Humphrey. “We really want to thank Senator Shendo and Representative Pacheco for sponsoring this legislation. We also should acknowledge all the members of the Sandoval County legislative delegation for lending their support as well.”
That same level of support helped win passage of Senate Bill 406. Sandoval County Treasurer Laura M. Montoya says that legislation closes a property tax loophole that was benefitting large out-of-state developers at the expense of average New Mexico property owners.
The bill was sponsored by Sen. John Sapien, who represents a large portion of southern Sandoval County, including Corrales, Bernalillo and Placitas.
The measure changes the way tax payments are handled when property owners either divide or combine land parcels.
Previously, property owners pay annual taxes on their property holdings in two installments. The first payment is due in November of the year in which the tax is levied. The second payment is then due in May of the following year. For example, property owners should have paid the first half of their 2012 taxes this past November 10th - December 10th, and they are expected to pay the remaining 2012 taxes on or before April 10th - May 10th of 2013.
If, however, a property owner divides or combines land parcels after making the November payment, but before the May deadline, they can evade that second-half payment, as well as the full payment for the tax year in which they are combining or dividing. It takes three years for a property to be placed on the delinquent tax rolls maintained by the state Taxation and Revenue Department, and by that time, the parcel identifier on the original piece of property no longer exists.
Senate Bill 406 requires property owners to pay upfront all taxes due as of the date they divide or combine property. In some cases, that would mean making a payment for the second-half of a previous year and all of the current year.
“Large developers, most of them from out-of-state, discovered this loophole and they’ve been exploiting it for years,” says Montoya, who was elected Sandoval County Treasurer in November 2012. “I see this as a fairness issue. If the average owner of a single-family home—or a small lot—has to pay the full amount of property taxes every year, large out-of-state developers should have to do the same.”
April is Alcohol Awareness Month in Sandoval County
Sandoval County, NM
April 4, 2013
The County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed April as Alcohol Awareness Month in Sandoval County.
The commission unanimously approved that proclamation at its regular meeting on April 4, 2013, 2012. As a result, the Sandoval County DWI & Prevention staff will be conducting various community outreach events throughout the month, delivering the message of the importance of not abusing alcohol.
The staff will be especially focused on bringing this message to young people. The proclamation approved by the commission noted that young people who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who wait until age 21. It also pointed out the link between youth binge drinking and other harmful behaviors such as drinking and driving, risky sexual activity, interpersonal violence, suicide and other drug use.
In an effort to combat these and other grim statistics the DWI & Prevention staff will be visiting middle schools and high schools throughout the county to remind young people of both the short-term and long-term damage that can result from using alcohol. These visits will include the DWI program’s “Dare to Be You” courses, which give young people advice on how to combat peer pressure and avoid alcohol use.
In addition to working with youth, the staff will do outreach with adults as well. For instance, they will operate a Designated Driver Booth at the Santa Ana Star Center for the entire month.
Star Center Designated Drivers
Staff members at the booth will ask Star Center event patrons age 21 or older to sign up as designated drivers for their group. DWI & Prevention staffers will give Star Center patrons many of the same messages they are taking to the schools on the physical and psychological dangers that can result from drinking alcohol.
Following is a complete list of activities the DWI & Prevention staff will be involved in throughout the month:
- All Month – Alcohol Prevention Emails – will be sent to all county employees once per week for the month of April, 2013. On Friday, April 5th the Alcohol Awareness Month Proclamation will be sent out along with the first alcohol awareness email.
- All Month - Alcohol Awareness Message – Sandoval County DWI & Prevention staff will be volunteering at all New Mexico Stars Indoor Football games, signing up Designated Drivers at the SCDWI Designated Driver Booth at the Santa Ana Star Event Center. An Alcohol Awareness message will be displayed at the booth all month long.
- April 9 – Alcohol Awareness presentation – Santo Domingo Pueblo Community Services Building – Men’s Healing to Wellness Program – 2pm – 3pm.
- April 10 – Resource Health Fair – Sandoval County DWI & Prevention Program Preventionist will be participating in the 2013 Bureau of Indian Affairs Community Resource Health Fair at the BIA main office in Albuquerque, NM. All Sandoval County Pueblos are invited to attend - 9am – 1pm.
- April 16 – Alcohol Awareness presentation – Bernalillo High School – Dare to Be You classes – 9am – 2:30pm.
- April 18 – Sandoval County DWI & Prevention Program and MADD Pre-Prom Underage Drinking and DWI Prevention presentation – Cuba High School Gym - Cuba, New Mexico – 2:30pm – 4pm.
- April 19 – Viva La Cultura – Celebration of Cultures to show how culture can help students live a healthy alcohol free life – Native American Drum and Dance Group – Oak Canyon Dancers from Jemez Pueblo – Bernalillo Middle School Gym – 1:30pm – 2:30pm.
- April 20 – Rio Rancho Public Schools Pow Wow – Rio Rancho High School Gym – Alcohol Awareness Information table will be set up – Pow Wow is scheduled from 10am – 7pm.
- April 21 – National Talk to Your Children Day – a special note will go out to all county employees with information about National Talk to Your Children Day, April 21st – Parents are asked to talk to their children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
- April 23 – In school Alcohol Awareness presentations – Independence High School – Dare to Be You classes 4th period and 5th period – 10:15am – 11:30am again at 11:35am – 12:40pm.
- April 26 – Rio Rancho High School Health Fair – Alcohol Awareness information table will be set up in the RRHS Gym – 11am – 12:30pm.
- April 28 – Health and Resource fair will be held at the Sandoval County Administration Building – Alcohol and other Drug Awareness information table will be set up – 3pm – 7pm.
Sandoval County to Break Ground on Torreon Road Reconstruction
Sandoval County, NM
April 2, 2013
Groundbreaking for the long-awaited project to reconstruct Torreon Road in Northwestern Sandoval County is set for this Friday April 5, 2013.
This portion of the project—which entails rebuilding the most-heavily damaged 5-mile stretch of the 11.9-mile road—is being funded by a $5 million federal grant that was awarded to the county last August. To mark the project’s launch, the county officials have invited everyone who played a role in securing that grant to a special groundbreaking ceremony.
The ceremony will start at 10:00 am at the intersection of San Luis and Torreon Roads. The location can be reached by traveling on NM Highway 550 to San Luis Road (at mile marker 41), and turning west to Torreon Road.
New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez and the entire New Mexico Congressional delegation are among those invited to the event. Expected Speakers include Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly and J. Don Martinez, New Mexico Division Administrator for the Federal Highway Administration.
A Critical Corridor
Sandoval County officials have long sought funding to reconstruct Torreon Road because of its importance as a major transportation route linking the primarily rural northwest portions of the county with the Albuquerque metro area. A large section of the road runs through the Torreon, Ojo Encino and Counselor Chapters of the Navajo Nation.
Residents of the northwest section of the county use Torreon Road to shave 45 minutes off the time it takes to reach jobs, medical care and other services in the metro area. The road also is part of many school bus routes. In recent years, however, heavy traffic has caused so much damage to the road that many commuters no longer find it safe for travel.
Torreon Road’s poor condition also has hampered economic growth in the county’s northwest quadrant, because heavy trucks are no longer allowed to use it to access mines located on land owned by the Bureau of Land Management in that part of the county.
The grant for this first phase of reconstruction comes from the U. S. Department of Transportation’s TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) program.
Sandoval County applied for the grant in partnership with the Navajo Department of Transportation, the New Mexico Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration.
Making Travel Safer
In its application, the county pledged to match the federal dollars with $500,000 of its own funds. That pledge—along with enthusiastic support from the entire New Mexico Congressional delegation—helped the county secure funding in an extremely competitive process.
“Reconstructing that stretch of road will make it safer for commuters—as well as school buses and emergency vehicles—to travel through the northwest portion of the county,” says Fred Marquez, project manager for Sandoval County Public Works. “It also will allow some heavy trucks to have access to mining areas on BLM land, which will help generate business activity in an economically disadvantaged area.”
In addition to reconstructing this critical 5-mile stretch of Torreon Road, the county will continue to pursue other grants to rebuild the remaining 6.9 miles of the road. “We have done some work on the road in the past three years, using Co-op funds from the New Mexico DOT,” Marquez notes. “We will continue to look at those, as well as other funding sources, until we can rebuild this entire road.”
Applications for Sandoval County’s Summer Youth Employment Program Available March 25 through April 5, 2013
Sandoval County, NM
March 22, 2013
The Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners announce that applications for the 2013 Summer Youth Employment program (SYEP) will be available March 25 through April 5.
The SYEP program allows eligible youth to earn money while gaining meaningful work experience, skills-oriented training, and career exposure. Youth from each of the county’s five commission districts will be selected to fill this year’s 100 available slots.
Participants will work 20 hours per week for government and not-for-profit employers in all areas of Sandoval County, and will earn $7.50 an hour. Permanent residents of Sandoval County who are between the ages of 15 and 17 on or before June 3, 2013 are eligible to apply for this highly successful program.
Applications will be available from March 25 through April 5 on the Sandoval County website at www.sandovalcountynm.gov or during normal business hours at the following locations:
- The Sandoval County Human Resources Office located on the first floor of the County Administration Building, 1500 Idalia Road, in Bernalillo.
- Senior Centers or Community Centers in Cuba, Jemez Valley and Peña Blanca.
- The Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Office
Applicants must identify their County Commission District on the application for placement in their home district. Assistance identifying the correct County Commission District is available from the Bureau of Elections at 505-867-7577.
Completed applications must be returned in person by youth applicants to the Sandoval County Human Resources Office located at 1500 Idalia Road, Building D in Bernalillo any week day between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 5. Selection of eligible applicants will be made by lottery drawing, which will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 4:00 p.m. in the Human Resources Office. Applicants are invited to attend.
Applicants will be notified of job placements by mid-May and begin work with a mandatory orientation session in Bernalillo on June 3. The program will run through July 26.
For more information about the Summer Youth Employment Program please contact the Sandoval County Human Resources Office at (505) 867-7505 or visit the County’s website at www.sandovalcountynm.gov
County Treasurer Hails “Broad, Bipartisan Support” for Passage of Bill Aimed at Closing Tax Loophole
Sandoval County, NM
March 20, 2013
Sandoval County Treasurer Laura M. Montoya says the state legislature has acted to close a property tax loophole that was benefitting large out-of-state developers at the expense of average New Mexico property owners.
The loophole fix is contained in Senate Bill 406, which was passed during the recently completed legislative session. The bill was sponsored by Sen. John Sapien, who represents a large portion of southern Sandoval County, including Corrales, Bernalillo and Placitas.
The bill would change the way tax payments are handled when property owners either divide or combine land parcels. Governor Susana Martinez still must sign the bill before it becomes law.
Under current law, property owners pay annual taxes on their property holdings in two installments. The first payment is due in November of the year in which the tax is levied. The second payment is then due in May of the following year. For example, property owners should have paid the first half of their 2012 taxes this past November 10th - December 10th, and they are expected to pay the remaining 2012 taxes on or before April 10th - May 10th of 2013.
If, however, a property owner divides or combines land parcels after making the November payment, but before the May deadline, they can evade that second-half payment, as well as the full payment for the tax year in which they are combining or dividing. It takes three years for a property to be placed on the delinquent tax rolls maintained by the state Taxation and Revenue Department, and by that time, the parcel identifier on the original piece of property no longer exists.
Must Pay Upfront
Senate Bill 406 requires property owners to pay upfront all taxes due as of the date they divide or combine property. In some cases, that would mean making a payment for the second-half of a previous year and all of the current year.
“Large developers, most of them from out-of-state, discovered this loophole and they’ve been exploiting it for years,” says Montoya, who was elected Sandoval County Treasurer in November 2012.
“My staff pointed this out to me soon after I took office,” she adds. “I saw it as a fairness issue. If the average owner of a single-family home—or a small lot—has to pay the full amount of property taxes every year, large out-of-state developers should have to do the same.”
This loophole also causes Sandoval County to lose a sizeable amount of tax revenue each year, which Montoya also sees as placing an unfair burden on the average county property owner. “In years in which the economy is slow, the county loses $150,000 to $500,000 in revenue because of this loophole,” Montoya declares. “In booming years, that figure could be as high as $500,000 to $1,000,000.”
Upon learning about the loophole, Montoya immediately set out to gain legislative support for a potential fix. She had little trouble getting Sen. Sapien to carry the bill on the Senate side of the Legislature. She also secured two sponsors—Representatives Bill Rehm and Ed Sandoval of Bernalillo County—to carry a companion bill in the House. Sandoval’s support was particularly fortuitous because he chairs the Taxation and Revenue Committee.
Cleaning Tax Rolls
But Montoya didn’t stop there in seeking support. At her urging, the Sandoval County Commission voiced unanimous support for the bill, as did 22 of the 32 county treasurers, the Assessor’s Affiliate, of the New Mexico Association of Counties and every member of the Sandoval County legislative delegation. “This broad and bipartisan support from elected officials really helped in getting this legislation passed,” Montoya says.
The Senate version of the bill was first to make its way through both houses of the legislature and onto the governor’s desk. The governor has until April 5 to sign the bill, and Montoya is hopeful about its chances for this final approval.
“Closure of this loophole will allow counties to have uniformity statewide, clean up tax rolls, and increase county revenues,” Montoya says. “This was a great team effort displayed statewide and I am thankful for the leadership presented throughout the legislative process.”
County Employee Earns Professional Certification
Sandoval County, NM
March 7, 2013
Dianne Maes has been a dedicated public servant for 23 years, and now she has a certificate to prove it.
Maes, the deputy director of county development, is one of 29 professionals awarded the designation New Mexico Certified Public Official (CPO) earlier this year. The designation is earned upon graduation from an 18-course program sponsored by New Mexico EDGE.
This organization—whose name is derived from the words Education Designed to Generate Excellence in the Public Sector—is operated under a cooperative agreement between the University of New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service and the New Mexico Association of Counties.
The CPO is the first of three levels of certification awarded through this program, which also is known as County College. The other levels are Certified Public Specialist (CPS) and Certified Public Manager (CPM).
To become a CPO, a student must demonstrate in depth knowledge of government operations as well a sound command of business-related skills such as the ability to lead teams and resolve conflicts within organizations. They also must demonstrate a true commitment servicing the public in an ethical fashion.
Maes received her CPO certificate in January during a graduation ceremony that held in conjunction with Legislative Conference of the New Mexico Association of Counties.
“The instructors are knowledgeable and the classes have been informative and enjoyable. I have benefitted from meeting other county employees and sharing experiences and ideas regarding local government. There is a lot of information delivered in the 3 hour sessions. Networking with other government colleagues has enabled me to expand my resources.”
Maes plan to continue with the program, as time and scheduling allows. “I have been fortunate to have the support of the County Manager to attend these classes. I believe we always have room to build our skills, and I strive to continually have a positive impact to the organization and ultimately the public whom we serve.”
This is National Severe Weather Preparedness Week
Sandoval County, NM
March 4, 2013
We all know the potential dangers of severe weather, but we seldom think about it until after a storm has hit.
The Federal Emergency Management Administration and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration want to change that. That’s why they’ve declared this week—March 3 through 9— National Severe Weather Preparedness Week.
This is a nationwide effort to increase awareness about how severe weather that affects individuals, families and communities.
The agencies are asking citizens to become “a force of nature” by learning how to prepare for disasters of any type, and spreading that information throughout their communities.
They also are calling on government agencies at levels to review their plans for responding to severe weather emergencies.
More information on becoming a force of nature can be found at FEMA’s Severe Weather site or the National Weather Service’s Albuquerque area page.
Children and Farm Animals Taking Over Santa Ana Star Center
Sandoval County, NM
March 1, 2013
Small children will spend two days mingling with farm animals at Rio Rancho’s Santa Ana Star Center on March 4th and 5th.
When they’re done, the children should have an appreciation for where they milk they drink the food they eat, even some of the clothes they wear comes from. That’s the idea behind the 3rd Annual Kids & Kows & More festival sponsored by the Sandoval County Cooperative Extension Service.
Hundreds of fifth graders from across the county are expected to attend the two-day event, which will feature a range of agricultural-based exhibits, including:
- A mobile dairy classroom, where the students can see cows being milked and learn about the nutritional value of that product.
- A beekeeping booth offering samples of honey along with lessons on how bees contribute to growth of fruits and vegetables.
- A sheep shearing demonstration, with information on sheep handing skills and wool harvesting.
- An exhibit on taking care of livestock from the New Mexico Beef Council.
The event will take place from 9:30 am to 12:50 pm on Monday and Tuesday, March 4 and 5 2013.
While Sandoval County Extension Service hosts the event it’s sponsored by the following local organizations:
- Southwest Dairy Farmers
- Southwest Border Food Safety & Defense Center
- Coronado Soil & Water Conservation District
- Cuba Soil & Water Conservation District
- Montoya Land & Cattle
- Sandoval County Farm Bureau
- Don Chalmers Ford
- Rio Rancho Farm Bureau Agents: Tom Baca, Jack Corder, Corey Merritt and Joe Villalva.
For more information on Kids & Kows & More contact Steve Lucero or Nicole Lujan at the Sandoval County Cooperative Extension Service: 505-867-2582.
County Commissioners Honor “Community Heroes”
Sandoval County, NM
February 26, 2013
One has a passion for stopping illegal dumping of trash; the other wants to make sure all her fellow citizens always have enough to eat.
These are the first recipients of the Sandoval County “Community Heroes” Award.
The Sandoval County Commission recently instituted this program to recognize citizens who take extraordinary measures to improve the quality of life in and around Sandoval County. The commissioners plan to recognize such citizens once each quarter.
Byron L. Waxler of Rio Rancho and Pamela “Penny” Davis of Corrales were presented with Community Heroes medals at the February 21 County Commission meeting.
Waxler was tabbed for the award by District 4 Commissioner Glenn Walters, who said that for the past five years Waxler has waged a one-man war against illegal dumping on the mesa west of the Rio Rancho city limits.
“Byron has dedicated numerous hours over the past five years to personally clean up illegal dump sites on this mesa,” Commissioner Walters said. “During one year alone, he loaded his 4x7 trailer 47 times with appliances—normally 3 appliances per load—and disposed of them legally.”
Waxler also has transported hundreds of tires, box springs and other items from the mesa to the county landfill. “His selfless, sustained effort to personally keep the mesa clean are truly deserving of being recognized as a Sandoval County Community Hero,” Commissioner Walters concluded.
Feeding a Need
District 2 Commissioner Nora Manierre Scherzinger had similar praise for Davis, who, in essence, launched Seed2Need, a non-profit program that raises fresh produce for distribution to local food pantries. Commissioner Scherzinger noted that between 2010 and 2012, Seed2Need donated 141,000 pounds of produce to 15 different food pantries in Sandoval and Bernalillo Counties. The program also won the 2011 International Master Gardener Search for Excellence Award.
Davis started gardening in earnest after retiring from a 27-year career as an accountant, systems analyst and manager for the Public Service Company of New Mexico. She earned the Master Gardener designation through a program offered by the Sandoval County Cooperative Extension Service.
That program required fulfilling a certain number of volunteer hours, which Davis did by renovating the rose garden at the Meadowlark Senior Center in Rio Rancho and helping to maintain a clay soil demonstration garden in front of the Corrales Town Hall.
In 2008, during what has been called the Great Recession, Davis started her own small garden and began donating produce to Storehouse West in Rio Rancho. The next year, she began looking for a larger site, and got permission to grow produce on property own by Commissioner Scherzinger and her husband Victor. At the time, Commissioner Scherzinger was a private citizen.
The garden on the Scherzingers’ property produced so many tomatoes, green beans and squash that donations were made to both Storehouse West and St. Felix Pantry.
As word spread, other Sandoval County residents began making land available for the project, and Seed2Need was born.
Seed2Need was incorporated in 2012. When accepting the Community Heroes award, Davis said the organization’s greatest need currently is for volunteers who want to help tend the crops.
Anyone wishing to help can contact Seed2Need at 505-385-4864.
See additional photos of these Community Heroes on the Sandoval County Facebook page.
The Valles Caldera Stars in its own Film Series
Sandoval County, NM
February 15, 2013
The Valles Caldera Nature Preserve is one of the most recognizable sites in Sandoval County. Its pristine 98,000 acres holds a working cattle ranch in addition to serving a year-round escape for activities ranging from hunting and fishing to hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing.
Now, the area is also the subject of a documentary film series that might add to its popularity among recreation enthusiasts across New Mexico and beyond.
The first installment of series, titled Valles Caldera: The Science, already has aired on Public Television stations across the country, including on KNME-TV in New Mexico. It also will be playing Saturday, February 16, at The Screen, a state-of-art movie theater on the campus of the Santa Fe University of Art and Design.
The trilogy is being produced by a group of New Mexico filmmakers led by Tim Aydelott, whose production company is called Blaze Canyon Productions.
A website devoted to the project explains what each film covers. The first one explains how the caldera was formed, essentially from the collapse of an active volcano, and also covers current issues related to the area’s geology such as the quantity and quality of water in the area and the impact of 2011 Las Conchas Fire.
The second film will explore the history of the area, including its origins as a sacred site for members of the Jemez Pueblo before it was deeded to a family as a cattle ranch. The final installment will gaze into the area’s future, examining topics like the current attempt to move the area under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, the Jemez Pueblo’s effort to retain ownership, and the ongoing debate about accessible the area should be to the general public.
Aydelott says he was captivated by the Valles Caldera after moving to New Mexico from Milwaukee, Wis., in the early 1990s.
He spent several years making documentaries about ecology and ecosystems for the Museum of Natural History in Albuquerque. During that time, the area that comprised the Valles Caldera was known as the Baca Ranch, after the family that owned land.
In 2000, the U.S. Government purchased the land for $100 million and turned it into a nature preserve that is managed by a board of trustees appointed by the President. The board still allows some ranchers to work the land while also controlling access by other visitors.
Aydelott says area’s conversion to nature preserve sparked his interest in making a film about it. However, it wasn’t until 2008 that he secured enough funding to start shooting. The final push was a $250,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.
With the part one of the trilogy now being screened, Aydelott and his colleagues are now seeking funds for the remaining two films. The goal is to have the entire series completed by the end of 2014. Of course, the date is contingent upon how long it takes to raise the $250,000 to $300,000 it will take to produce each film.
El Zócalo Makes List of “hippest” Historic Wedding Venues
Sandoval County, NM
February 13 2013
Sandoval County’s El Zócalo complex has been declared one of the metro area’s “hippest historic places to tie the knot” by Albuquerque the Magazine.
El Zocalo, located at 264 S. Camino del Pueblo in the heart of Bernalillo, was one of six places given that designation in a special Bridal Guide that’s part of the magazines February issue. The magazine gives a brief history of the El Zocalo complex, starting with its birth as a convent and Catholic school.
The county purchased the complex in 2003, and after restoring it, converted to multiple uses. In addition to hosting weddings, the complex houses an office complex in which several small businesses thrive. It also is home to the Sandoval County Visitor’s center, where staff helps tourists discover the most exciting places to see in the county and beyond.
In keeping with the theme of being among the hippest places to tie the knot, El Zócalo was the site of 17 weddings in 2012 and already has 12 scheduled for 2013.
If you or someone you know would like is looking for a hip historic place to get hitched, visit the El Zócalo website or call 505-867-8687.
Find Polling Places for Tuesday’s School Board Elections
Sandoval County, NM
February 1, 2013
Tuesday, February 5 is voting day in four school districts across Sandoval County. In addition to electing new school board members, voters in three districts are being asked to approve general obligation bonds and/or mill levies for capital improvement projects.
All polling places will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Find out where you can cast your vote by clicking the appropriate link below:
♦ Bernalillo Public School District
♦ Cuba Independent School District
♦ Jemez Valley School District
♦ Rio Rancho Public School District
Madalena to Serve Third Term as Commission Chairman
Sandoval County, NM
January 11, 2013
Darryl Madalena has been elected to another term as chairman of the Sandoval County Commission.
The five-member commission selected Madalena as chairman by unanimous vote at its first meeting of the year on January 10, 2013. Madalena, who represents District 5, will be serving his third consecutive term as chairman, having first been selected for the post in 2011.
For 2013, the commission also selected newly-elected District 2 Commission Nora M. Scherzinger to serve as vice-chair.
The commission also approved a new Sandoval County Calendar for 2013, which includes the schedule for all commission meetings. A copy of the calendar can be downloaded here.
Public Safety Officers Recognized for Outstanding Performance
Sandoval County, NM
January 11, 2013
The Sandoval County Commission opened its first meeting of 2013 by installing a new fire chief and commending three Sherriff’s deputies for explemary performance over the previous year.
The meeting took place on Thursday, January 10, 2013.
James H. Maxon was named Sandoval County Fire Chief, after a six-month stint as interim chief in which he proved his ability to lead a department that already had a reputation for providing the highest level of service.
Maxon was named interim chief last July, following the tragic death of former County Fire Chief Jon Tibbetts in a car accident. Chief Tibbetts’ widow, Connie Tibbetts, attended the installation and penned the Chief’s Badge and Maxon’s uniform.
Maxon’s appointment as Sandoval County Fire Chief caps a 20-plus-year fire service career that started when became a volunteer with the Hondo, New Mexico Fire Department at the age of 16. He continued in the fire service field while serving in the U.S. Air Force, and later held leadership positions with the Santa Fe County Fire Department and the New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office before joining the Sandoval County Fire Department as Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal in 2006.
Following Maxon’s installation, Sandoval County Sheriff Doug Woods presented awards to three deputies who demonstrated explemary performance in 2012. Two deputies were lauded for graduating with honors from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department Regional Academy.
Deputy Daniel Fleming earned the top cadet score in Emergency Driving and Physical Fitness when he graduated from the academy in May 2012.
Deputy Jacob Hopkins was Valedictorian of the class that graduated the academy in October 2012. In addition to having the highest overall combined score, he earned top honors for Emergency Driving and Physical Fitness.
Finally, Carrie Foster was named Deputy of the Year Award for 2012. Deputy Foster began her career with the Sheriff’s Office in June of 2003. She has served as a detective and patrol deputy.
Sheriff Wood said Deputy Foster’s nomination was based on her positive attitude, high productivity, willingness to help others and overall professional demeanor. “She is known to treat people with respect and kindness, but also has the courage to handle violent or dangerous calls for service when necessary,” the sheriff said in presenting Deputy Foster’s award.
Photos of the honorees are available on the county’s Facebook Page.
James Maxon to be installed as Sandoval County Fire Chief
Sandoval County, NM
January 9, 2013
James H. Maxon will be installed as Sandoval County Fire Chief on Thursday, January 10, 2013 during the regular meeting of the Sandoval County Commission.
Maxon has been serving as interim fire chief since July 2012, following the death of longtime Sandoval County Fire Chief Jon Tibbetts in a tragic car accident.
Chief Tibbetts’ widow, Connie Tibbetts, will place the chief’s pin on Maxon’s uniform at Thursday’s ceremony.
At the time of Maxon’s appointment as interim chief, County Manager Phil Rios said he didn’t want to rush the decision of naming a new chief, particularly given the circumstances under which the position came open. However, he also expressed confidence in Maxon’s ability to lead the department at such a critical time.
Over the past six months, Maxon has justified the county’s manager’s confidence in him, resulting in his appointment as the permanent Sandoval County Fire Chief.
Accomplishments Recognized
“Working with James these past six months has made me realize why Chief Tibbetts had such high regard for him,” County Manager Rios said. “I have full confidence that he will move the department forward and ensure our citizens continue to receive the highest level of Fire and EMS services.”
Maxon’s performance also was recognized by his peers in the fire-fighting community, who in September 2012 selected him as New Mexico Fire Officer of the Year. When presenting him with that award, State Fire Marshal John Standefer noted how Maxon had managed to keep the Sandoval County Fire Department operating at its usual level of excellence during an especially challenging time.
Chief Maxon has more than 20 years of fire service experience. He joined the Sandoval County Fire Department in January 2006, assuming the role of deputy chief and county fire marshal. Prior to that, Maxon was a senior inspector, investigator, and instructor with the New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office. He also was instrumental in the founding of the Fire Science Technology Program at Santa Fe Community College.
“I am honored to be named Sandoval County Fire Chief,” Maxon said. “I have spent the last 20 years of my career obtaining the training, education, and experience needed to be a fire chief. I am looking forward to leading our department and continuing to make it and organization with a tradition of excellence that is always there when citizens call on us.”
© 2012 Sandoval County, Sandoval County Information Technology