Frequently Asked Questions

All certificates are filed with the New Mexico Department of Health Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. Certified copies of the death certificate can be requested from the New Mexico Department of Health Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics: 505-827-0121 or visit the New Mexico Department of Health website. Neither Otero County nor Profession Crematory Services obtain death certificates on the family's behalf.

Upon verification and qualification from Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veteran's remains may be buried in the Santa Fe National Cemetery. 

If a decedent left no written instructions regarding the disposition of the decedent's remains, died while serving in any branch of the United States armed forces, the United States reserve forces or the national guard and completed a United States department of defense record of emergency data form or its successor form, the person authorized by the decedent to determine the means of disposition on a United States department of defense record of emergency data form shall determine the means of disposition, not to be limited to cremation. (NMSA 1978 §24-12A-2)

Please visit the VA Burials and Cremation Benefits website for more information.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not assist with the cremation or burial of persons receiving benefits. However, the SSA may provide benefits to surviving spouses and children if certain criteria are met. Otero County Healthcare Services does not assist with this application. Please visit the SSA's Survivor Benefits program website for further information.

Receipt of SSA benefits does not preclude a decedent from qualifying for the program.

It is the up to the family to place an obituary notice and cover the costs with the newspaper office.

A deceased person shall be considered indigent for the purpose of Chapter 24, Article 13 NMSA 1978 Statute, if the decedent's estate is insufficient to cover the cost of cremation (NMSA 1978 §24-13-2).

A deceased person whose body has not been claimed by a friend, relative, or other interested person assuming the responsibility for and expense of disposition is considered an unclaimed decedent (NMSA 1978 §24-13-1).

Anyone can inquire about the program, but eligibility can only be met by the decedent. There is an application process. All application forms must be completed by the decedent's next of kin or interested person(s). All forms are legally binding and some may need to be notarized under certain circumstances.

Qualification for this program is based solely on the decedent. 

The decedent must meet the indigent or unclaimed status; be a resident of Otero County for a minimum of 90 days prior to time of death; and property and assets must not be sufficient to cover burial or cremation costs at time of death.

The Disposition Program operates within the geographical boundaries of Otero County.

Each case varies. In general, the next of kin, or interested party, fills out the application on behalf of the decedent. An appointment is made with the Healthcare Services Department office to review the application and determine eligibility. Upon approval, the crematory will be notified of Otero County's responsibility over the decedent's remains.

If you are concerned whether or not your loved one meets the program's criteria, please contact the Healthcare Services Department further information.

A signed agreement with a funeral home or crematory to prepare services may disqualify the decedent from program eligibility. A signed agreement or contract indicates financial responsibility has been asserted for the decedent's remains.

Do not sign an agreement for services unless you are able to be financially responsible for the decedent's remains. If you signed an agreement for services, then determine you are unable to handle the financial responsibility, you must cancel the agreement with the funeral home prior to any burial or cremation services have been rendered. If services have been rendered, then you must confer with the funeral home or crematory, as per the signed agreement - Otero County no longer has authority to assist. 

Please note that termination of an agreement with a funeral home is soley based upon the funeral home's discretion. Otero County does not assist in this matter. 

According to NMSA 1978 §24-12A-2, legal next of kin, in order of precedence, is as follows:

1. Surviving spouse
2. Majority of surviving children over the age of 18
3. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
4. A majority of the surviving siblings of the decedent
5. An adult who has exhibited special care and concern for the decedent, who is aware of the decedent's views and desires regarding the disposition of the decedent's body and who is willing and able to make a decision about the disposition of the decedent's body
6. Adult person of the next degree of kinship in the order named by New Mexico Law as stated in NMSA 1978 §45-2-103

*Only the legal next of kin may make decisions on behalf of the decedent's disposition, and sign documentation agreeing and adhering to the program's policies and procedures.

Determination varies on a case to case basis. The Healthcare Services Department will perform due diligence to ensure the qualifications are met. The Department will conduct extensive research through collaborative efforts with the Otero County Assessor's office, Legal Department, Office of the County Clerk, and other outside agencies such as; Office of Medical Investigator, Department Veteran's Affairs, etc. Every case is dealt with as accurately and lawfully as possible.

Otero County will assume custody of the body for disposition, so a funeral service or viewing with the body is not possible. Family and friends may have a memorial service conducted at their own expense. The cremated remains will not be released until Otero County has been reimbursed for the cost of services rendered.

The program is administrated utilizing county funding, which does not cover any other services outside of a dignified and lawful disposition of the body.

It is the duty of the Board of Commissioners of each county in New Mexico to decently inter or cremate the body of any unclaimed decedent person. The county shall ensure that the body is cremated no later than 30 days after a determination has been made that the body has not been claimed; but no less than 2 weeks after death. Cremated remains will be stored by the crematory for a period of no more than 2 years from the time of cremation in a manner that allows for identification of cremated remains. Once the 2 years has ended, the cremated remains may be lawfully disposed of by the crematory, provided the crematory provides Otero County with a record of the place and manner of disposition. Records will be kept for no less than 5 years. (NMSA 1978 §24-13-1).

After the two years, all indigent cremated remains are buried in the perpetual care section of the Monte Vista Cemetery. Each person will have an individual plot with a temporary marker. If a family member or interested person wishes to place a permanent marker at the burial site, cost for the disposition must be reimbursed to the county. 

The Healthcare Services Department will receive reimbursements or payments for services rendered to decedents for the following reasons: 

1. Otero County placed a lien on the decedents real property to ensure the County receives reimbursement from the estate of the decedent, or
2. Family members, or persons with special care and concern, will come forward to reimburse the County to obtain the cremated remains of the decedent, or be given the permission to place a permanent headstone on the decedent’s grave. 

At this time, we accept cashier's checks or money order to be paid directly to the Healthcare Service Department. Or, you may make cash or credit card payments at the Treasurer's office. There may be additional fees associated with payments at the Treasurer's office.

To determine the amount to reimburse the county for each decedent, please refer to the Indigent and Unclaimed Decedents List.

The Healthcare Services Department updates this information regularly.

Recycling is a valuable practice for communities because recyclables have value. Materials can be sold for profit and can generate a cost saving by avoiding tipping fees at the landfill. Recycling creates jobs many times as the materials move through our economy. Using recycled materials to create new products saves energy and money.

Source separated programs are simple and cost effective for small and rural communities. A little effort by the consumer goes a long way in helping to bring a recycling program to a small community.

Have you ever smelled 10 cubic yards of week old, un-rinsed milk jugs in July? Probably not, but my employees do. Please help us out.

Removing lids helps the bottles to compress at the time of baling and reminds you to empty the bottle before recycling. It also helps us keep the recycling center cleaner.

Tubs and bottles are created in different ways, using different chemicals, therefore; they must be recycled separately. Most recycling programs in New Mexico, only accept bottles with a neck and a screw top.

When items are put in the recycle containers that don't belong there they must be removed before we can bale the product. This costs the county time and money sorting the items out that don't belong. This is your tax dollars at work.

The market that we sell our plastic to only accept Number 1 and Number 2 plastic bottles with a neck. Plastic Number 1 and Number 2 are the most common  plastics recycled, and bring the most profit when baled separately.

On the bottom of plastic bottles, you will find a small number inside a triangle of arrows. It may be easier for you to just remember which of the common items in your household are recyclable, for example, soda bottles are a Number 1 and laundry detergent, milk jugs, dish soap and shampoo bottles are Number 2. Some vitamin and pill bottles are Number 2.

Boxboard and cartons are very different material than corrugated cardboard, as they are mostly glue. Mills that make cardboard from recycled stock need clean, non-waxed corrugated cardboard. Nothing else will do.

At the collection center it is best to follow the signs than to follow the last recycler.

Find recycling locations in our resource directory.

Many big box stores are stepping up to recycle plastic bags, ink cartridges, rechargeable batteries and electronics. The New Mexico Recycling Coalition hosts a "Recycling Directory" on their website. Look up recycling services by material type and County.

The best way to help is by recycling, reusing, and reducing. Educate yourself about the recycling services in your area and help others to find those services, too. Remember to ROC (Recycle Otero County).

All real property is valued on January 1st of each tax year. Improvements are valued on January 1st of each tax year, for improvements under construction at the time the valuation is adjusted depending on the percent completed. Personal property is also valued on January 1st of each tax year, but only that personal property used in the conduct of a business is taxed. Livestock is also valued on January 1st of each tax year, or as of the date they enter the County of Otero.

Property values are arrived at based on the sale prices of similar properties that have sold recently. For livestock the New Mexico livestock Board sets the mill levies annually.

Every taxpayer has the right to protest the value placed on his or her property. To do this you must contact our office within 30 days of receipt of your Notice of Value (NOV). The NOV is normally mailed in February or March of each year and must be mailed by April 1st. Forms will be provided on which you must indicate the value you think should be placed on your property. An informal hearing will then be scheduled at which we will show you how we arrived at the valuation for your property.

If you still believe that the value of your property is too high you will be scheduled for a formal hearing before the County Valuation Protest Board comprised of three voting members appointed as follows:

1. One member shall be a qualified elector of the county, and shall be appointed by the county commission for a term of two years;
2. One member shall be a qualified elector of the county, and shall have demonstrated experience in the field of valuation of property and shall be appointed by the county commission of a term of two years; and
3. One member shall be a property appraisal officer employed by the New Mexico's Property Tax Division, assigned by the director and shall be chairmen of the board.

If you disagree with the finding of the protest board you may file with the court of appeals a notice of appeal.

Several exemptions and special use considerations are available to taxpayers as follows:

• Head of Family
• Veterans
• Religious and Educational
• Agricultural

Each of the above exemptions has specific requirements. All forms are available on the Forms and Instructions page. If you have any questions, please contact our office.

We do not track whether you have a mortgage company paying your taxes or not. We send all tax bills to the owner on file. Your mortgage company may pay the taxes, however it is your responsibility to ensure that your mortgage company is paying your taxes. If you are not sure if you mortgage company is going to pay, please contact them.

The following are when tax payments are due:

• November 10 - First Half Taxes due.
• December 10 - Last Day to pay First Half Taxes on time.
• April 10 - Second Half Taxes due.
• May 10 - Last Day to pay Second Half Taxes on time.

If payments are not received on time the following penalty and interest will be applied on the night of the 10th of every month.

• Penalty is charged at 1% of the delinquent tax amount each month until penalty reaches 5%. (Maximum penalty is 5%.)
• Interest is charged at 1% of the delinquent tax amount each month until paid.

When you sell a mobile home, you must get a tax release from the County Assessor. With the tax release you pay any current or delinquent taxes and taxes for the future year. After you do this, you take the tax release to the Motor Vehicle Division with the title and they will change the name on the title. After this is done, you will bring the new title back to the County Assessor and they will change the name on the tax rolls and the tax bills will then be sent to the new owner. This is the only way to change the name on a mobile home. If all these steps are not completed, you will continue to get the tax bill.

Since property taxes in New Mexico are based on a calendar year, your closing officer will generally impound, from the seller, a pro-rated share of the current year's taxes in advance. The buyer will then be credited with the amount that the seller has paid into closing. When the taxes become due, the buyer will be responsible for the entire bill since he has been credited with the seller's pro-rated amount.

The only way to acquire property with delinquent property taxes is by purchasing it at the auction put on by the State of New Mexico. When property taxes have not been paid on real property for three years, the law requires the County Treasurer to turn these properties over to the State. The State then tacks on a $125 Cost to State fee and will auction the property.

Yes, we accept postmarks!

Currently, in the office, we accept cash, check and credit card (with a 2.5% convenience fee or a $3.95 flat fee for Visa Debit.) You can also pay online with an Echeck for a convenience fee of $2 or with a credit card with the same fees as in the office. For more information, go to the County Treasurer's payment page.

The Board of County Commissioners meet in regular session at 9 a.m. on the second Thursday of every month. All meetings (unless otherwise noted) are held at:

Otero County Administration Building
1101 New York Avenue, Room 123
Alamogordo, NM 88310

View the current County Commission Meeting Schedule (PDF).

Copies of the agenda for the Commission meetings are available at the reception desk in the Administration Building at 1101 New York Avenue. In addition, the current agenda, follow-ups to prior agendas, and minutes of the previous Board meetings are available in the Agenda Center.

Otero County does not require business licenses; however, the County does require that businesses comply with State license requirements.

The Board accepts public comments on any issue on its agenda under Unscheduled Citizen Communication at the regular meetings. If you would like to appear on the agenda under Scheduled Citizen Communication, you must submit a request on the form (PDF), which can be provided at the reception desk in the Administration Building at 1101 New York Avenue. After submitting your request to the County Manager, staff will notify you when you will appear on the commission agenda.

You may find contact information for the County Commissioners on the County Commission page.

View the complete listing of contact information for the Otero County Departments.

General Information

• County Seat: Alamogordo, NM
• Population: 63,797 (US Census Data)
• Land Area in Square Miles: 6,613.21
• Gross Receipts Tax Rate (Unincorporated Area): 5.9375%

Transmitter

All defendants will wear a Transmitter or tracker (ankle bracelet) which tracks movement in and out of the home of the inmate on CCP. Clients must remain at home unless permitted by their CCP Officer to be elsewhere. Failure to comply will result in loss of CCP and could face additional criminal charges.

Drug Testing

All defendants will be subject to random drug testing. If a defendant shows a positive result for ANY ILLEGAL NARCOTIC or ALCOHOL, they will lose their CCP privileges and will be returned to the detention center and face disciplinary action. The Presiding Judge in the case will be notified of the violation.

Random Visits

All Inmates are subject to random visits to their place of residence or place of employment by the Community Custody Program Officers.

The defendant is required to pay in advance a process fee of $25, Urinalysis fee of $10, and the first week of the electronic monitor equipment cost prior to entering the program. Contact the Community Custody Program Office with any questions.

Random Drug Testing

All defendants will be subject to random drug testing. If a defendant shows a positive result for any illegal narcotic or alcohol, they will lose their work release privileges and will be returned to the detention center and face disciplinary action.

The Presiding Judge in the case will be notified of the violation.

Random Visits to Place of Employment

All Inmates are subject to random visits to their place of employment by the Community Custody Program Officers.

The defendant is required to pay in advance a process fee of $25, Urinalysis fee of $10, and the first week (5 working days) prior to entering the program.