Sandoval County treasurer reports full staffing, delinquent-tax auctions and high collection rates

Treasurer Taylor told the Sandoval County Investment Committee that the treasurer’s office currently has all positions filled and introduced a recent hire, Sean La LaBarbara, as the office continues regular operations.

The update also covered delinquent-tax enforcement and collection statistics: the county ran a residential and land tax auction in March for properties three or more years delinquent and is planning a second auction on Aug. 27–28 at the Bernalillo Recreation Center, 370 Rotary Park Road, Bernalillo. The office also plans its first in‑house manufactured‑home auction tentatively scheduled for Oct. 24 in the county commission chambers, Treasurer Taylor said.

The manufactured‑home auction differs from the state-handled residential and land sales because, Taylor said, the county will retain fees, interest and penalties collected on manufactured-home sales. Taylor credited tax researcher Martin Steven for preparing the manufactured‑home process and said the enforcement work has prompted some property owners to pay or enter installment agreements.

Deputy Treasurer Jessica McParland presented collections figures through May 31. McParland said in‑house processing totaled $53,600,000; web payments were $20,200,000; point‑of‑sale payments $1,100,000; and outreach collection efforts brought in $160,800 for the 2024 tax year. Separately, McParland said a $125 “cost to state” fee is assessed under state statute for accounts delinquent more than two years; the fee was applied to 2022 accounts and the charges totaled $91,375, with a current balance of $89,152.66 as payments continue.

Treasury Operations Manager Holly Aguilar summarized tax maintenance and gross receipts tax results. She said the county collected 97.27% of the 2024 second‑half tax roll and 99.25% for the 10 years of taxes charged to the treasurer, figures she described as above the five‑year average. She also noted gross receipts tax receipts are down year over year, which she attributed primarily to a decrease in construction activity compared with last year.

On bank balances, Taylor reported the county’s general fund balance at $56,300,000, a tax payment account at $3,700,000, and total balances across accounts of $70,100,000. Taylor listed individual depository balances including Wells Fargo ($57,800), Jemez Valley Credit Union ($150,300) and Century Bank ($4,200,000).

Votes at a glance

The committee approved the minutes for the April meeting. Treasurer Taylor asked for a motion; a member moved and another seconded. Roll call votes recorded in the transcript: Treasurer Taylor — yes; Deputy Treasurer Jessica McParland — yes; Treasury Operations Manager Holly Aguilar — yes; Commissioner Brook — yes; Robert Bridal — “Abstain, I was absent.”; Christopher Daniel — aye; Kelly Wainwright — yes; Chairman Meeke — yes; Director Cassandra Herrera — yes; County Manager Johnson — yes. The motion carried.

The meeting concluded with a motion and second to adjourn, which the committee approved.

Why it matters: The treasurer’s enforcement actions and the planned manufactured‑home auction represent a change in how Sandoval County will handle certain delinquent accounts, which the treasurer’s office said is already prompting payments and installment agreements. The collection and bank‑balance figures provide a snapshot of the county’s near‑term liquidity ahead of upcoming maturities and disbursements.

The committee did not take additional policy actions at the meeting; staff indicated the manufactured‑home auction will follow statutory notice and procedural requirements before properties are offered for sale.