Bernalillo County to Host Inaugural Manufactured Home Tax Auction on October 24

Sandoval County is set to host its first-ever manufactured home auction on October 24, 2025, at the County Commission chambers, marking a significant step in addressing delinquent property taxes for mobile home owners. This initiative, announced during the Board of Finance meeting on August 13, aims to enhance accountability and streamline tax collection for manufactured homes, which are classified as personal property and not handled by the Property Tax Division.

The auction will be organized in-house, allowing the county to retain all delinquent fees, penalties, and interest collected. This approach is expected to improve financial outcomes for the county while ensuring fairness for all taxpayers, as emphasized by the county treasurer. Martin Stevens, the manufactured home specialist, reported a promising start to the program, with a 77% response rate from initial outreach efforts to delinquent taxpayers, resulting in over $51,000 collected in delinquent taxes.

In addition to the auction, the meeting highlighted the expansion of the Junior County Treasurer program, which now includes four high school students from various schools across the county. This initiative aims to provide students with hands-on experience in county finance, requiring them to complete 90 hours of training and participate in various meetings. The program's growth reflects a commitment to engaging youth in local governance and financial literacy.

The discussions also touched on the potential for future online auctions, which could increase participation and reduce the manpower required for in-person events. The county treasurer expressed interest in exploring this option, indicating a willingness to adapt and innovate in tax collection methods.

Overall, these initiatives demonstrate Sandoval County's proactive approach to managing property taxes and engaging the community, setting a precedent for future financial programs and outreach efforts.