The Office of the Bernalillo County Assessor is celebrating a big achievement! Eight new appraisers have earned their certifications, helping the department grow into one of the best appraisal teams in New Mexico. Let’s dive into what this means for the office, the employees, and the property owners of Bernalillo County.
Investing in Knowledge and Growth
Bernalillo County Assessor Damian Lara believes that hard work and continuous learning should be rewarded. He proudly shared that this year’s certification pay shows how highly qualified and accomplished the staff have become.
Since taking office in 2022, Assessor Lara has made big changes. One of the first things he did was extend certification pay to every staff member, no matter what their job title is. This decision, approved by the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners, encourages everyone in the office to grow their skills and improve their knowledge.
How the Certification Incentive Works
Under New Mexico State law, appraisers who complete special courses from the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) through the State Assessors Certification Program can earn extra pay. Here’s how the incentive works:
One State Certificate – $750
Two State Certificates – $2,500
Three State Certificates – $5,500
Four State Certificates – $9,000
This reward system motivates employees to take on more learning and better serve the community.
Growing Success: Certification Pay Over the Years
Since the program started under Assessor Lara’s leadership, the results have been impressive. In 2022, the office paid nearly $255,000 in certification incentives. That number jumped to around $398,000 in 2023. By 2024, the incentive payouts grew even more to about $448,000.
These numbers show that more and more staff are getting certified, raising the overall skills and standards of the office.
Better Staff Means Better Service for Property Owners
While employees enjoy the benefit of incentive pay, the real winners are the property owners of Bernalillo County. With certified appraisers, the Office of the Assessor can offer better, fairer, and faster service.
The office currently employs over 110 people, and with strong leadership and continuous education, the future looks bright for everyone involved.
The Office of the Bernalillo County Assessor is setting a strong example by investing in its people. With eight newly certified appraisers and a solid certification incentive program in place, both employees and property owners are reaping the benefits. By focusing on education, hard work, and fair rewards, Bernalillo County is building a model team that’s ready to meet the needs of the community today and in the years ahead.
