At a Sept. 2 work session, Gina Ojana Monte Ortega, Dona Ana County assessor, and Janice Madrid, the assessor’s residential appraiser supervisor, told the Board of County Commissioners there was “no update” on a countywide reappraisal and that staffing shortages, workload from recent construction and space constraints prevent starting a full reappraisal project immediately.

“We currently have 6 actual appraisers when we should have 7,” Madrid said. She told commissioners the office is hiring to fill vacancies but that recruitment has been slow, particularly for commercial appraisers; she estimated the appraisal staff would need roughly 10 additional people to undertake a full reappraisal and said the office lacks vehicles and workspace to house that many temporary staff.

Madrid said the county has more than 11,000 parcels and that recent construction — more than 1,000 newly constructed residences in the previous year — reduces the number of properties that need reappraisal, but the overall workload remains large. She reported approximately 330 commercial protests and about 500 vacant‑land protests are outstanding and that those appeals are consuming staff time.

Commissioners pressed for a concrete plan. Commissioner Reynolds asked what resources and timeline would be required; Chair Shelder Hernandez and other commissioners said the board wants a scoping plan that lists which parcels must be reappraised, estimated staff and vehicle needs, potential workspace and a multi‑year schedule. Board members warned that if the county fails to make progress the state Property Tax Division (PTD) could intervene to carry out a reappraisal and that the county would ultimately be responsible for any costs.

Assessor Ojana Monte Ortega said the office is working with HR to fill positions and that the commercial appraiser role is difficult to staff because of pay and a limited applicant pool. Madrid said some appraiser assistants rise to appraiser roles and turnover is typical; she said temporary hires present training challenges and that much of the appraisal function requires staff who can remain beyond a short assignment.

Commissioners asked staff to scope the reappraisal challenge and return with a plan. Several commissioners said they would convene a multi‑department meeting with HR, fleet and budget staff to map needs for staff, vehicles, workspace and interim funding and asked the assessor’s office to provide the numbers and a recommended two‑ to four‑year plan for implementation.