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Santa Fe County Commissioner
District 3
Camilla Bustamante, Ph.D
April 14, 2023
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Welcome to the 100th day of the year! This is also a reflection of my one hundredth day in office, and I am pleased to share with you what the Santa Fe County Commission has done. I am looking forward to the next one hundred days as we have not even touched the surface of our potential in serving this great community.
Introduction
I am Camilla Bustamante, and I want nothing more than for our community to work from its strengths and continue to grow in well-being for all our citizens. Sure, we have challenges to attend to, but when we work together, we can work for solutions that improve conditions for our entire community.
Our rural communities have certainly changed. We have so much more available to us than those in previous centuries, but now we face different challenges. Issues like access to plentiful and clean water; the ability to raise children in a safe and healthy community; and the need to provide housing without creating conditions that displace our residents and future generations are of high importance to me. I will work to ensure that the quality of life for our residents is better than ever. And that teachers, law enforcement, service industry, and other working people can afford to live in our county.
I chose to become a public servant so that together we can cultivate the best of our community heritage and contemporary civic engagement to address county-wide issues. Thank you, and please let me know if I can answer any questions.
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Water, Housing, and Public Safety
April 10th marked one hundred days into my service as County Commissioner of District 3 and our priorities have not changed. During the past few months community members have asked questions and have expressed concerns regarding the future of water, the availability of affordable housing, and short-term rentals as a viable way to support personal income.
Water Quantity
The recent snows or rains…if even a drizzle, can make us forget that we remain in a drought and that though the precipitation will be helpful to some, for those on wells, it will do little if anything to recharge the aquifers we rely on in District 3. A number of our residents questioned how recent developments in the City of Santa Fe would affect those on wells in the southern and southeastern parts of Santa Fe County. It is important to point out that the water used in the City of Santa Fe is predominantly surface water and is not pumped groundwater, with the exception of a few locations. In the interest of the availability of water in both the urban and rural areas, I will quote community member and water advocate Carl Dickens, when he said, “It is time to look at serious conservation,” which has been the case for multitudes of decades for the desert southwest. I will add that we must include smart growth management in the interest of water.
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Water Quality
Though public water systems in the U.S. have been regulated since the 1970s, household private wells are not regulated by the EPA or the state. It is incumbent on the well owner to take the responsibility for periodically testing their wells for contamination. Given the surges in both residential and commercial growth in District 3, it is good practice to test your well water, especially if you have a well that has been in operation for ten years or more and you have never had it tested. It is important to note that there are various levels of naturally occurring and man-made elements in New Mexico ground water to include arsenic, uranium, nitrates, and sulfates as well as bacteria. Even when naturally occurring, these analytes can present a health concern if above specified levels. I will be working with local communities and the Environment Department to explore the possibility of holding area water fairs where residents can get the well water tested at no charge.
Most recently, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) have been found in areas surrounding the National Guard and City of Santa Fe Wastewater Treatment facility. Used widely in many household consumer products such as food packaging, stain resistant fabrics and carpet, and some food packaging, PFAS has also been used for controlling petroleum-based fires. Santa Fe County Staff is working with the City of Santa Fe as well as our National Guard to identify the extent of PFAS in the surrounding area.
Well monitoring information:
https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/water/private_wells/Testing.html
Community Facilities
I recognize the importance of community involvement in the planning of our communities. Over the past 100 days, I have engaged in conversations regarding public space and public facilities in the communities of Edgewood, Cerrillos, and Madrid. Though each idea or request has its unique aspects, I look forward to establishing the community informed planning process to provide infrastructure that is defined and used by the communities they are intended to serve. I remain committed to working to ensure an improved quality of life for everyone in Santa Fe County, District 3.
A Resolution Supporting Senate Bill 165, Enacting the Local Choice Energy Act
This resolution was brought to the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners on January 31, 2023. The resolution was co-sponsored by Commissioner Anna Hansen, District 2 and Commissioner Bustamante, District 3.
Please use the following link to view the full resolution: Resolution 2023-10
Smokey's Campfire 2
On Saturday March 11, 2023, Santa Fe County conducted a full-scale evacuation exercise in the La Cienega/La Cieneguilla area. The Emergency Management team lead the simulation to reenact a wildfire situation with the help of Commissioner Camilla Bustamante and members of the La Cienega Valley Association. Community members also participated in the event by driving to the designated locations and following the direction of the evacuation crew. KOB4 covered the evacuation and interviewed Commissioner Bustamante, Fire Assistant-Chief Vigil, and community members. To view the article and video coverage of the event, visit: KOB4 Coverage
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Meet Your New Santa Fe County Assessor! |
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Isaiah Romero is a native New Mexican, born and raised in Santa Fe. He values people and the relationships he has fostered throughout his life. Isaiah has served the Santa Fe community in multiple capacities, including 22 years of service in the Santa Fe County Assessor’s Office. He began his career with Santa Fe County as a Field Auditor in September of 2000, worked his way up to become the Chief Commercial Appraiser, and is now the Santa Fe County Assessor. He has extensive history and knowledge within the office and has a passion to serve and excel to continue the successes from previous leadership and staff. Isaiah coached youth sports for many years, he is a leader in his church, he served as the Acequia del Medio de Tesuque Mayordomo, and was the Treasurer for AFSME Local 1782. He enjoys an adventurous life with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Lilliana and Isaiah. Isaiah spends many afternoons and weekends supporting his children in their soccer and art endeavors, tends the small family fruit orchard, and engages in long conversations about community needs, nonprofits, and work life with his wife.
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Exemptions
Protesting Your Valuation
Head of Family Exemption – The Head of Family exemption is a $2,000 reduction in the taxable value of residential property, and may be claimed by any New Mexico resident for his or her residence. This exemption will result in a property tax savings between $30 and $50 per year.
Veteran/Disabled Veteran Exemptions – The Veteran’s Exemption is a $4,000 reduction in your taxable value. We also offer the Disabled Veteran’s exemption, which is a 100% exemption from property tax on the Veteran’s primary residence up to 5 acres of land. Both may be claimed by any honorably discharged Veteran or the unmarried surviving spouse of the Veteran.
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Value Freeze – The Valuation Freeze essentially prevents your property tax valuation from increasing each year on your place of residence. This will assist you in minimizing your future property tax increases. This benefit is available for anyone who is 65 years or older OR anyone who is disabled (at any age) AND had a gross household income of $37,300 or less in the previous year. You must provide proof of your household gross income along with your application.
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Assessor's Office Outreaches
April 10: 11am – 1pm – Edgewood Senior Center – Edgewood
April 12: 11am – 1pm – Max Coll Corridor Community Center – Eldorado
April 13: 4pm – 6pm – Santa Fe County Fairgrounds – Santa Fe
April 17: 4pm – 6pm – Pojoaque Satellite Office – Pojoaque
April 19: 11am – 1pm – Abedon Lopez Community Center – Santa Cruz
April 24: 4pm – 6pm – Edgewood Senior Center – Edgewood
April 26: 11am – 1pm – Santa Fe County Fairgrounds – Santa Fe
You may also visit the Office of the Santa Fe County Assessor in person at 100 Catron, Santa Fe, NM to file property valuation appeals or to apply for exemptions and/or benefits. The office is open Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm.
For more information, please call (505) 986-6300 or visit www.santafecountynm.gov/assessor.
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Deadline: June 1, 2023
Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners passed an Ordinance repealing and replacing previous Lodger's Tax Occupancy Tax ordinances
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SANTA FE, NM - On March 28, 2023, the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners passed an Ordinance repealing and replacing previous Lodgers’ Occupancy Tax ordinances. (Ordinance No. 2023-002, An Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Ordinance Nos. 1999-10 and 2020-1 and Section 7 of Ordinance 2022-07, Adding and Amending Definitions and Exemptions for the Lodgers’ Occupancy Tax to Align with State Law, Increasing the Lodgers’ Occupancy Tax, Establishing Financial Reporting Responsibilities, Adding Lien Provisions, Adding Further Uses of Lodgers’ Occupancy Tax Proceeds, and Clarifying Collection of Lodgers’ Occupancy Taxes for Short-Term Rental Platforms.)
Highlights of the new Ordinance include requiring Short-Term Rental Platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) to collect and remit Occupancy Taxes to the County, increasing the Occupancy Tax from 4% to 5%, reallocating the percentages of Occupancy Tax proceeds that may be used across allowable uses, and expanding allowable uses for Occupancy Taxes proceeds, consistent with state law.
The Ordinance will take effect on June 1, 2023. This will allow time for staff to send notifications to the hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, RV parks, Short-Term Rental Platforms, etc., and for these vendors to change Occupancy Tax collections in their booking system from the 4% to 5%, and notify their accounting departments of this change.
More specifically, the following updates were made by the passage of Ordinance 2023-002:
- Added definitions of “County Treasurer”, “Dwelling”, “Short-Term Rentals”, “Short-Term Rental Platforms”, “Taxable Premises”, “Temporary Lodging”, “Tourist”, “Tourist-Related Events”, “Tourist-Related Facilities and Attractions”, and “Tourist-Related Transportation Systems.”
- Amended the definition of “Taxable Premises”.
- Transferred Lodgers’ Occupancy Tax collection responsibilities from the County Clerk to the County Treasurer.
- Added “unless those premises are temporary lodging” to the vendee exemptions to the Occupancy Tax.
- Increased of the current Occupancy Tax Rate from 4% to 5% of gross taxable rent.
- Requires Short-Term Rental Platforms to collect and pay Occupancy Taxes and applicable Gross Receipt Taxes.
- Requires Short-Term Rental Platforms to provide monthly reports on Short-Term Rentals.
- Added further uses of the Occupancy Tax proceeds, including for costs on prior redemption premiums and charges pertaining to certain revenue bonds, and to provide police and fire protection and sanitation service for tourist-related facilities, attractions, and events.
- Added financial reporting relating to certain budgets, reports, and audits related to the expenditure of the Lodgers’ Occupancy Tax funds.
- Clarified that the BCC makes the appointments for the Advisory Board. Also clarified the statutory function of the Advisory Board, which is to provide recommendations on the expenditure of funds for advertising, publicizing, and promoting tourist attractions and facilities in the County.
- Added provisions relating to liens for the Lodgers’ Occupancy Taxes.
In addition, the new Ordinance revised how the Occupancy Tax proceeds may be used and allocated. Specifically:
- The County shall use 50% of the Occupancy Tax proceeds towards advertising, publicizing, or promoting tourist-related facilities, attractions, transportation systems, or events in Santa Fe County; and
- The County shall retain the flexibility to use 50% of Occupancy Tax proceeds on any purpose allowed by law, including, but not limited to, establishing, operating, purchasing, constructing, otherwise acquiring, reconstructing, extending, improving, equipping, furnishing or acquiring real property or any interest in real property for the site or grounds for tourist-related facilities and attractions or tourist-related transportation systems and tourism promotion.
The Board of County Commissioners will have the discretion to allocate resources where they are needed most, based upon current needs of the County. The Occupancy Tax revenue can fluctuate year over year, and the County is collecting significantly more money in the current fiscal year than budgeted. If those trends continue and as more Short-Term Rentals begin paying Occupancy Tax, 50% of Occupancy Tax revenue under the proposed ordinance may meet or exceed the amount of money earmarked in recent years for tourism promotion.
Here is the complete list of purposes for which the second 50% may be used:
(1) Collecting and otherwise administering the Occupancy Tax including the performance of audits required by the Lodgers' Tax Act (Sections 3-38-13 to 3-38-25, NMSA 1978) pursuant to guidelines issued by the Department of Finance and Administration;
(2) Establishing, operating, purchasing, constructing, otherwise acquiring, reconstructing, extending, improving, equipping, furnishing or acquiring real property or any interest in real property for the site or grounds for tourist-related facilities and attractions or tourist related transportation systems;
(3) The principal of and interest on any prior redemption premiums due in connection with and any other charges pertaining to revenue bonds authorized by Section 3-38-23 or 3-38- 24, NMSA 1978;
(4) Advertising, publicizing and promoting tourist-related attractions, facilities and events of the County and tourist-related facilities, attractions and events within the area;
(5) Providing police and fire protection and sanitation service for tourist-related facilities, attractions and events located in the County;
(6) Any combination of the foregoing purposes or transactions stated in this section; or
(7) As otherwise allowed by the Lodgers' Tax Act (Sections 3-38-13 to 3-38-25, NMSA 1978), should the law be changed in the future to allow different uses.
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Ordinance 2023-02 An Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Ordinance Nos. 1999-10 and 2020-1 and Section 7 of Ordinance 2022-07, Adding and Amending Definitions and Exemptions for the Lodgers’ Occupancy
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Saturday, April 22, 2023
Santa Fe County is thrilled to partner with The RainCatcher, Inc. and the Santa Fe Extension Master Gardeners to host a special Earth Day event on April 22, 2023 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM at the Santa Fe County Fairgrounds!
Help us put the finishing touches on a new rain garden, enjoy live music, learn about local sustainability initiatives, and get answers to your spring gardening questions from Master Gardeners!
Schedule of events (subject to change):
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9:00 - 9:30 AM: Breakfast snacks & refreshments
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9:30 - 10:20 AM: Presentations from The RainCatcher, Inc. & Santa Fe Master Gardeners
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10:20 AM - 12:00 PM: Hands-on gardening activities & live music
Representatives from Santa Fe County and community organizations will be sharing resources and activities at booths throughout the event from 9:00-12:00 p.m.
Please bring a reusable water bottle or mug if you have one. You are encouraged to bring work gloves and wear long pants and closed-toed shoes if you will be participating in any gardening activities. Participants in the gardening activities will be required to sign a waiver.
Registration is encouraged. Click here for more information.
We hope you will join us for a fun morning of learning and gardening!
Free Tire Recycling
Saturday, April 15
Recycle your old passenger vehicle tires for free at any County convenience center on April 15! Must have a valid solid waste permit. Limited to 8 passenger vehicle tires (excluding rims) per permit holder. This event is sponsored by a Recycling and Illegal Dumping Act grant from the New Mexico Environment Department.
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