Resolution 2025-054, A Resolution Establishing the Independent Salary Commission

The Independent Salary Commission (ISC) was established by the Santa Fe County (County) Board of County Commissioners (Board) pursuant to Resolution No. 2025-054, adopted on May 13, 2025, to independently evaluate and make recommendations regarding compensation for elected County officials, as authorized by New Mexico law. The Commission was created to promote transparency, objectivity, and public confidence in the process for reviewing compensation for elected officials and County Commissioners.

Establishment and Public Outreach

Following adoption of Resolution No. 2025-054, Santa Fe County issued public notices and press releases in May and June inviting applications and letters of interest from qualified County residents to serve on the Independent Salary Commission. The Resolution authorizes a seven-member commission, with five members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and two additional members selected by those five appointees, representing a range of professional and community experience.

Member Appointments and Terms

On October 28, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners appointed the following five (5) members to the Independent Salary Commission to serve four-year terms, beginning October 29, 2025, and ending October 28, 2029.

  1. Anna T. Hamilton
  2. Chris Graeser
  3. Clifford M. Rees
  4. Gus Martinez
  5. Laura Liswood

Commission Activities and Status

The Independent Salary Commission convened and completed its assigned work during November 2025, including review of relevant data, consideration of comparable jurisdictions, and evaluation of statutory factors outlined in Resolution No. 2025-054. The Commission presented its salary recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners at its December 15, 2025, regular meeting, resulting in the adoption of Resolution No. 2025-146.

All meetings of the Independent Salary Commission were conducted in compliance with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act. Meeting notices and agendas were posted publicly in advance of meetings and can be reviewed at the bottom of this page and on the November 2025 meeting dates (November 7, 14, and 21, 2025) on the County Calendar. 

ISC Staff Liaison

Sara Smith, Operations Manager
County Manager's Office
505-992-1635
ssmith@santafecountynm.gov

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