Christina Ramirez, chief deputy assessor for Taos County, has announced her candidacy for Taos County assessor, emphasizing experience in the office and a commitment to public service and community outreach.
Ramirez said the campaign marks her first run for public office. She currently serves as chief deputy assessor, a role she was appointed to by current Assessor Maria Dimas. Ramirez previously served as chief deputy under former Assessor Darlene J. Vigil has worked in the assessor’s office for nearly 16 years. She also worked with the Chief Deputy Assessor for Abel Montoya for the last five months of his term.
“I believe our community deserves a leader who is committed to fairness and equity,” Ramirez said. “Customer service is truly one of my top priorities. I want everyone who walks into our office to feel welcomed, respected and genuinely cared for.”
Ramirez said part of her goal as assessor would be improving public understanding of the role of the office. She noted many residents associate the assessor’s office with increasing property taxes, when the office’s primary responsibility is determining property values used for taxation by multiple local entities.
Property taxes help fund schools, hospitals, colleges, water districts and municipalities, she said, adding that greater transparency could help residents better understand how tax dollars support community services.
If elected, Ramirez said she would continue maintaining working relationships with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department’s Property Tax Division, the Taos County Board of County Commissioners and other fellow elected officials. She also said she hopes to host outreach events to educate residents about property tax exemptions, how to read annual notices of value and how to appeal property assessments.
Ramirez said her experience in the assessor’s office has given her familiarity with key administrative responsibilities, including budgeting, reporting for certification and coordinating annual property valuation processes required by state law.
She is a state-certified appraiser through the New Mexico Property Tax Division and helps oversee three office budgets, including the main assessor’s budget, the geographic information systems budget and the Property Valuation Fund.
Ramirez also assists in preparing the county’s annual valuation maintenance plan, which is presented to the Taos County Board of County Commissioners and ensures property values are accurate and updated. The assessor’s office also works with the county finance department and treasurer’s office to provide revenue projections used in budgeting for local services.
Another part of the office’s work includes coordinating the mailing of annual notices of value to property owners. Residents who disagree with the assessed value of their property have a 30-day period to file an appeal.
Ramirez said one of the biggest operational challenges facing the office is its outdated appraisal software system.
“It limits how efficiently we can work,” she said. “We’ve already begun working with management to explore more modern software options.”
If elected, Ramirez said she would continue pursuing an updated system to improve efficiency and public service.
A lifelong Taos resident, Ramirez said her commitment to the community also comes from raising a family in the area. She and her husband, Jesus, are raising their five children who are active in local sports.
“Those moments on the sidelines, surrounded by other families and friends from our community, are some of the ones we cherish the most,” she said.
Ramirez said the values she sees in youth sports — teamwork, dedication and supporting others — guides how she approaches public service.
“I truly care about the work I do and would be grateful for the chance to continue serving our community,” she said.
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