Property owners across Valencia County will see an increase in their 2025 property tax bills due to the newly imposed mill levy.
VCAFCD Board Approves New Mill Levy
In a unanimous decision at the April 24 meeting, the board of directors for the Valencia County Arroyo Flood Control District (VCAFCD) approved a half mill levy via resolution. According to state law, the board is authorized to levy a tax of up to 50 cents per $1,000 of net assessed property value without voter approval. Any higher increases would require a public vote.
Read More: Valencia County Arroyo Flood Control District Board
Impact on Property Owners
For example, a residential property in the village of Bosque Farms, with an assessed value of $197,218 and a net assessed value of $77,378, will incur an additional $38.69 in property taxes for 2025.
VCAFCD Board Chairwoman’s Statement
Teresa Smith de Cherif, newly appointed chairwoman of the VCAFCD board, emphasized the importance of getting the mill levy resolution approved and submitted to the relevant authorities. She stated that her resolution included a detailed account of how the board was formed, noting that unforeseen circumstances could have delayed the tax levy if not adequately captured.
Mill Levy Will Generate Estimated Revenue
Smith de Cherif estimates the new levy will generate approximately $800,000 annually for the district. These funds will be used for the district’s operational costs, planning, design, construction, and maintenance of flood control facilities.
Formation of the Flood Control District
In April 2024, Valencia County commissioners passed a resolution to place the formation of the VCAFCD on the November 2024 ballot. In February 2025, the court appointed five board members: Wayne Gallegos, David Gardner, Danny Goodson, Mike Montoya, and Smith de Cherif, who will serve until the end of 2025. All five positions will be up for election in November 2025.
Ensuring Smooth Operations for the Future
Smith de Cherif reflected on her experience with the Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District, which faced challenges when local departments initially refused to collect the mill levy. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that the VCAFCD’s mill levy proceeds smoothly to avoid delays and legal challenges in the future.
Operational Costs and Future Planning
The mill levy proceeds will be used for the district’s operational expenses, including liability insurance and other necessary operational costs. Gallegos highlighted the urgency of securing these funds to protect the district and provide relief to residents affected by flooding.
Revenue Delays and Tax Bill Timeline
The first disbursement of funds from the new mill levy won’t be available until January or February of 2026. Valencia County’s treasurer’s office will send out the 2025 property tax bills on November 1, 2025, with the first half due by December 10, 2025, and the second half due by May 10, 2026.
Board Appointments and Committee Updates
In other business, the board made several key decisions:
- Officer Selection: Smith de Cherif was appointed as chairwoman, David Gardner as vice chairman, and Danny Goodson as treasurer.
- Committee Assignments: Board members volunteered for the three committees established during the March meeting:
- Gardner and Mike Montoya will serve on the governance committee.
- Gallegos and Smith de Cherif will focus on public outreach and education.
- Smith de Cherif and Goodson will manage the finance committee.
- Grant Pursuit and Loan Review: The finance committee was granted the authority to seek out potential grant opportunities. However, any grant acceptance will require the full board’s approval. Additionally, the finance committee was authorized to review possible loans for expenses such as liability insurance and other operational costs, with the understanding that the board will have the final say on any loan decisions.
Future Meetings
The VCAFCD’s future board meetings will be held at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area’s education center, located at 2424 N.M. 47, north of Belen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new mill levy imposed by the Valencia County Arroyo Flood Control District (VCAFCD)?
The VCAFCD board has approved a half mill levy, which means property owners in the district will see an increase in their property tax bills starting in 2025. This tax is levied at a rate of 50 cents per $1,000 of the net assessed value of property.
How much will the new mill levy increase my property taxes?
The exact amount will vary depending on the assessed value of your property. For example, a residential property in the village of Bosque Farms with a net assessed value of $77,378 will see an additional $38.69 in property taxes for 2025.
Why was the mill levy imposed?
The mill levy was imposed to generate revenue for the VCAFCD. The funds will be used for operational costs, flood control facilities’ construction and maintenance, planning, and acquisition of flood control infrastructure to address flooding concerns in the county.
Can the mill levy increase further in the future?
The current mill levy rate is capped at 50 cents per $1,000 of net assessed value without voter approval. Any future increases would require a public vote.
How will the funds from the mill levy be used?
The funds will be used to cover operational expenses, including liability insurance, maintenance, and improvement of flood control infrastructure. This helps the district ensure proper functioning and safety during flooding events.
When will the mill levy payments begin?
The first disbursement of funds from the new mill levy will be available in January or February of 2026. The 2025 property tax bills, which include the mill levy, will be sent out in November 2025.
How often will the VCAFCD hold meetings?
The VCAFCD board meetings will be held monthly at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area’s education center, located at 2424 N.M. 47, north of Belen.
Who are the current board members of the VCAFCD?
The current board members are Teresa Smith de Cherif (Chairwoman), David Gardner (Vice Chairman), Danny Goodson (Treasurer), Wayne Gallegos, and Mike Montoya. These members were appointed by the court and will serve until the end of 2025, after which they must run for office to continue serving.
How can the finance committee help the district?
The finance committee has been delegated the authority to pursue grant opportunities and review possible loans for the district’s operational needs, such as liability insurance. However, all major financial decisions will require final approval from the full board.
Will the mill levy continue indefinitely?
The mill levy will continue unless the board decides to amend or remove it in the future. The board has set the levy at its maximum allowable rate under state law without requiring voter approval.
Conclusion
The approval of the new half mill levy by the Valencia County Arroyo Flood Control District marks a significant step toward addressing the county’s flood control needs. While property owners will see an increase in their 2025 property tax bills, the revenue generated will provide essential funding for the district’s operational expenses and flood control infrastructure.
With the mill levy in place, the district is poised to better manage flooding risks and ensure long-term safety for residents. Board members are committed to transparency and will continue to engage with the community, providing updates during regular meetings. The successful implementation of this levy is a critical step in securing the resources necessary to protect Valencia County from future flooding events.