Valencia County Residents Face 22% Property Tax Increase
VALENCIA COUNTY, N.M. — A recent error from the Valencia County office has caused significant concern among property owners, leading to a 22% increase in their tax bills.
Currently, there’s a lot of communication happening between the assessor’s office and the accounting firm to clarify the situation, but many uncertainties still remain.
“It really caught me off guard, but I didn’t feel it too intensely,” said resident Joni Love-Mullins. “Inflation has been high recently, so I didn’t immediately assume it was a mistake.”
County officials confirmed that the milling rate rose from 6.82 to 11.85, with Assessor Celia Dittmeyer explaining that the confusion stemmed from a simple typo involving an extra zero.
“When I was inputting the numbers, I accidentally pressed an extra key, making it look like it was worth $2 billion instead of $200 million,” Dittmeyer stated.
Residents are understandably frustrated and eager for a swift resolution.
“If I’m being charged for something, I believe it should be accurate. Honestly, I don’t think we should have to pay until it’s corrected. The idea of getting refunded later isn’t appealing, especially since that might require more time,” Love-Mullins expressed.
Dittmeyer mentioned they’ve been working tirelessly to address the issue throughout the week.
“We’ve been in contact with the Property Tax Division and the Department of the Treasury this morning. It seems they will provide the correct figures and reissue a new mill rate,” she said.
However, this still needs approval from the commissioners, and it will be up to the treasurer to decide on the next steps.
“Right now, the main thing we’re asking for is patience. The bills won’t be considered delinquent until December 10. By that time, we expect the issue will be resolved and a new bill issued, depending on what the Treasurer decides. Just hang in there; we’re doing our best,” Dittmeyer added.
KOB 4 sought additional insights from the treasurer, but there was no response or willingness to comment.
Assessors recommend that residents pay the first half of their taxes, which are due by December 10.
