Eddy County assessor says veteran percentage exemption and pending bills were central topics at affiliate meeting

Rhonda Hatch, Eddy County assessor, said at an assessors affiliate meeting in Santa Fe County that participants reviewed the veteran percentage exemption and discussed how to ensure consistent application across counties.

"In the assessors affiliate meeting, we discuss the veteran percentage exemption with veteran services and the property tax division present to address concerns and questions," Hatch said. She told attendees the presence of those offices aims to ensure everyone is following the same process across counties.

Why it matters: Assessors and adjacent county offices administer exemptions that directly affect taxable values and the tax bills constituents receive. Hatch said the meeting’s review with veteran services and the property tax division was meant to align procedures and answer constituent questions.

Hatch also said the group examined "a few bills currently advancing through legislation that will impact assessors offices across the state." She did not provide bill numbers or specific legislative text during her remarks.

The meeting discussion, Hatch said, flagged potential operational impacts from the pending legislation but did not record any formal motions or votes. Hatch described the affiliate gatherings as a forum for sharing guidance and best practices so assessor offices can operate "efficiently, fairly, and equitably for all constituents across the state."