The Los Alamos County Assessor’s Office is hosting several state organizations till 2 p.m. today to provide outreach and assistance to veterans. From left, New Mexico State Veterans’ Benefits Division staff members Sylvia Varela, Michelle Vasquez and Bureau Chief Jeff George provide assistance to veterans on their property taxes along with Los Alamos County Senior Assessment Specialist Curtis Valencia and Office Assistant and Senior Assessment Specialist Isabella Martinez. Valencia explained rather than directing veterans to go to Santa Fe to address their property tax needs, they wanted to provide a ‘one-stop-shop.’ The state representatives can assist veterans with their property tax exemptions, which is $4,000 toward their property’s taxable value. Disabled veterans are entitled to be completely exempted from paying property taxes. Veterans are encouraged to go by the County Assessor’s Office, located inside the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave. or call the office at 505.662.8029. They will need to bring their DD214 form and a New Mexico ID. Valencia said this is the first time the Assessor’s Office has provided this outreach but the hope is to make it an annual event. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
New Mexico Adult Protective Services Investigative Case Worker Davonna McQuarters, left, and Investigative Case Worker Melony Espinoza hold up some of their swag while providing information about Adult Protective Services today at the County Assessor’s Office. McQuarters said Adult Protective Services investigates abuse and neglect of adults, 18 years old or older, who have disabilities. She added they serve Los Alamos County and Rio Arriba County. For more information, call 1.866.654.3219. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program Manager for New Mexico D.W. Stephenson offers information about his program’s services today in the Assessor’s Office. He said he represents 11 different committees that promote disease prevention. Additionally, Stephenson said his program includes a 24/7 crisis line, services for post-traumatic stress, women veterans’ health, suicide prevention, hand gun safety, transportation for veterans as well as other services. ‘We try to promote good health,’ he said. For more information, call 505.265.1711. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
