Valencia County Commission votes to conduct independent investigation into property tax issue

During a special meeting Monday morning, the Valencia County Commission voted unanimously to direct staff to contract for an independent investigation into a recent mistake by the county assessor that sent property tax bills skyrocketing.

When tax bills went out to Valencia County property owners earlier this month, the amounts due for their 2025 tax bill had increased by hundreds of dollars, leaving residents confused and worried.

Following Monday’s meeting, county attorney Dave Pato said they still need to identify an investigator, someone who is professionally familiar with property valuations and the property tax system.

“We are hoping to do that quickly,” Pato said. “Once we have identified an investigator, it’s also our hope the investigation will be done quickly.”

Once the investigation is complete, the commission directed the results be released to the media and public immediately.

In an interview last week, Valencia County Assessor Celia Dittmaier told the News-Bulletin she entered the incorrect property valuation amount for the village of Los Lunas — more than $2 billion rather than the $200-plus million is should have been.

The correct valuations were submitted to New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department on Nov. 12. Once taxation and revenue approves the rates, they will go to the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration, then a new certificate with the correct mill rates will be sent to the county and new tax bills will be printed and mailed.

Valencia County Manager Jhonathan Aragon said the county is still waiting for the new certificate from DFA, as of Monday morning.

“The Public Education Department and Higher Education Department calculate their own rates and provide those to DFA, so we are waiting for that,” Aragon said. “We have made everyone aware of the urgent nature of this situation.”

At least the first half of property taxes is due by Dec. 10, and Valencia County Treasurer Ron Saiz has urged taxpayers to pay that if they are able. If payments are made after the deadline, Saiz said any penalties and interest will be waived.

If the entire 2025 bill has been paid, taxpayers can either request a refund from the county or leave the overage as a credit for their next tax bill, the treasurer said.