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Valencia County Assessor

The County Assessor determines the taxable value of homes, businesses and other property within the county, as the basis of setting ad valorem (property) taxes, sending notice of assessed values to property owners, and preparing the property tax rolls for the County Treasurer. Term: Four years, limited to two consecutive terms.

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  • Candidate picture

    TORRES G. LEYBA
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    BURGANDY BREE CASIAS
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What qualifies you for this office?

How would you address your highest priorities?

Given the recent errors with 2025 property tax bills, how will you address these issues to ensure no reoccurrence and reassure property owners?

What training will you provide for your staff in the technical, legal, and administrative aspects of property valuation and taxation?

mailingstate NM
Campaign Email tleyba1600@gmail.com
Occupation Political Consultant
Filing County Valencia
I have been an elected official, community leader and a political advocate over a public career spanning four decades. I have managed large teams to achieve superior constituent satisfaction, and once elected I and my team will bring a culture of Responsibility, Accountability and Oversight to the office of Assessor. This is my pledge - to ensure that the work that the Assessor does to determine our citizen's future property values will go forward in partnership with those who elected me.
First, and most importantly I would do everything possible to make the office of Assessor more transparent and accessible to the public, so property owners can know what role my office plays in determining each property owner's yearly tax bill. Also, I would commit to my office working and cooperating with any and all State agencies over the course of my term to see where mistakes might have been made in the past, while developing best practices to ensure that similar errors are not repeated.
Along with the strategies listed above, I am committed to making myself available to citizens groups throughout the County to bring regular updates on what the office is doing to ensure error-free protocols for reporting property values to the County for the next four years. I want to help my constituents understand what the Assessor does, what role they play in helping determine your final tax bill, and how our office works to help them receive maximum property values each and every day.
My staff will be empowered to obtain training in as many aspects of administering this office as they are able, and they will have my full support in seeking more efficient and transparent ways to bring true value to the property owners of New Mexico. If additional funding for my staff to obtain this training is required from the County, I will be an advocate for that funding to ensure that my staff is one of the most educated and prepared to be stewards of our County's property values.
mailingstate New Mexico
Occupation Senior Loan Officer
Filing County Valencia
Campaign Website http://burgandycasias.com
I bring over 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, working with homeowners, appraisals, property values and tax information every day. My career requires accuracy, attention to detail and an understanding of how property values affect families. I also bring leadership, accountability and a commitment to serving the public. I believe my real-world experience and fresh perspective will help build an Assessor’s Office that is accurate, accessible, transparent and accountable.
My priorities are fair and consistent valuations, accuracy, transparency and accessibility. I will improve communication so property owners understand how their values are determined and are aware of exemptions they may qualify for. Taxpayers should be able to get clear answers when they have questions and have confidence that their Assessor’s Office is working for them and treating everyone fairly and respectfully.
The 2025 tax bill errors showed why accuracy, accountability and communication between county offices are so important. As Assessor, I will put stronger checks and balances in place, including multiple levels of review before valuation information leaves our office. I will work closely with other county offices to identify discrepancies before they affect taxpayers. Property owners deserve clear answers and an Assessor’s Office that is accessible, transparent and accountable.
I will ensure staff receive ongoing training in valuation methods, state laws, administrative procedures and changes that affect property taxation. I believe in hands-on training, continuing education and cross-training so employees understand not only their own responsibilities, but how the entire office works. Clear procedures, consistent standards and accountability will help prevent errors and ensure taxpayers receive accurate information and knowledgeable service.