Sandoval County assessor says office is understaffed as valuations rise; commissioners press for staffing plan

Assessor Gallegos told the Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 12 that the assessor—s office is "severely understaffed," listing 23 appraisal staff on hand while citing a recommended staffing level of 53 based on county account totals.

"We are understaffed," Gallegos said while summarizing the office—s annual report and the department—s organizational structure. She told the board the office aims to review 20% of parcels each year to verify parcel information even though state statute requires annual revaluation of all properties. Gallegos said the figures the board was viewing are 2024 values presented in 2025.

Gallegos highlighted valuation trends: roughly an 8% increase in residential improvements and about a 35% increase in nonresidential improvements in the presented data. She also said protest counts for the valuation year declined by about 1,600 and that personal-property accounts show notable increases tied in part to property from Intel that was not eligible for a prior bond.

Commissioners asked for more quantifiable information for budgeting purposes, including overtime totals and a costed headcount proposal. "What we're paying in overtime... would it work out to another appraiser?" Chair Jordan Juarez asked, framing the question as part of the county—s budget decision-making.

Gallegos said the office can provide overtime and staffing cost data during the county—s budget sessions and reiterated the need for a substantial increase in appraisal staff to meet practice standards and avoid shifting tax burden inappropriately.

Commissioners discussed creating clearer protest-board guidelines and possibly formalizing appointment procedures to ensure a sufficient pool of members (Gallegos and staff said the county needs six to eight available protest-board members with staggered two-year commitments). The board accepted the presentation and asked staff to return with quantified staffing and cost figures during budget review.