News and Articles

05/29/2025

Santa Fe County Seeks Members for New Independent Salary Commission

Santa Fe, NM – The Santa Fe County (County) Board of County Commissioners (Board) is seeking qualified individuals to serve on the newly established Independent Salary Commission (Commission), an advisory body responsible for evaluating and recommending salaries for county elected officials and commissioners. The Commission will conduct salary evaluations in odd-numbered years, with recommendations due December 1 of those years.

Serving on the Independent Salary Commission represents a unique opportunity to directly shape the future of public service in Santa Fe County. This is more than an administrative role; it is a critical civic responsibility central to effective local governance. By evaluating and recommending appropriate compensation for elected officials, Commission members will help ensure that Santa Fe County attracts and retains talented public servants. The Commission's work will support a transparent and objective process that balances fair compensation with fiscal responsibility, maintaining public trust through a rigorous, data-driven approach.

The Board established the Commission at its meeting on May 13, 2025, via Resolution No. 2025-54. The Commission will consist of seven members: five appointed by the Board and two selected by those five appointees. To be eligible, candidates must reside in Santa Fe County and meet one or more of the following qualifications:

  1. Community Representative: A member of a community organization, a former elected official, or a county commissioner
  2. Legal Professional: A current or retired attorney or judge
  3. Human Resources Expert: A human resources or employment consultant
  4. Executive Management: An individual with high-level executive management experience
  5. At-Large Member: An appointee serving in a general capacity

Interested residents should submit a letter of interest and resume detailing relevant expertise and qualifications to:

Santa Fe County Human Resources Department
Attn: Valerie Aghaei Park, Director
PO Box 276
Santa Fe, NM 87504-0276 
Email: vpark@santafecountynm.gov
Phone: 505-995-6507

The application deadline is Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.