Latest news with #CountyClerk'sOffice
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Saying 'I do' in New Mexico will now cost twice as much as marriage license fee increases
Formalizing a marriage these days is often not the difficult part; walk in and the paperwork is there waiting for you. But in New Mexico, it's about to become more than twice as expensive. For the first time in decades, the cost of a marriage license in New Mexico will increase, jumping from $25 to $55, effective June 20, following the passage of bipartisan legislation during the 2025 legislative session updating the fee structure. While the price is more than doubling, New Mexico's fee remains lower than in Texas or Arizona, where the cost can exceed $80. Some states charge as much as $115. According to a news release from the Santa Fe County Clerk's Office, the fee change supports long-term recordkeeping, child welfare programs and local services across the state. Santa Fe County is one of New Mexico's most popular wedding destinations. 'Most people only think about their marriage license once — on their wedding day,' Santa Fe County Clerk Katharine Clark said in a statement. 'But it's a legal document that can be needed decades later to access benefits, prove identity or navigate end-of-life paperwork. We want to ensure your record will be securely stored, easy to find, and legally valid when you need it." Senate Bill 290, signed by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham this year, was sponsored by Sen. Linda Trujillo, D-Santa Fe. It increases marriage license fees and changes how they are distributed. The changes will result in increased funds for counties, according to a Legislative Finance Committee fiscal impact report for the bill. With the updated fee, the fund is expected to gain an estimated $32,500 annually to expand prevention programs and family support services statewide. Beginning June 20, according to the County Clerk's Office, the $55 marriage license fee will be distributed as follows: * $20 to county clerk's offices * $20 to the Children's Trust Fund, which supports community-based programs to prevent child abuse and neglect * $15 to the county general fund The Children's Trust Fund, administered by the Children, Youth and Families Department, previously relied mostly on specialty license plate revenue, the release from the clerk's office said. The higher fees could give pennywise couples an excuse to hold off on the nuptials; however, the Legislative Finance Committee analysis noted even with New Mexico's comparatively low license fees, the state's marriage rate has been skidding for the last decade. "In 2022, New Mexico had the lowest marriage rate in the country at 4.2 per 1,000 people," the report said. "Nevada, Utah, and Colorado were among the highest at 25.9, 9.9, and 7.5 per 1,000, respectively."
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Shasta County elections chief 'terminates' popular assistant registrar of voters
Shasta County's assistant registrar of voters was "terminated" from her position working for the County Clerk's Office by the new head of the department, who was appointed to the post just two weeks ago. Joanna Francescut, who made the announcement Tuesday, worked in the elections department for the past 17 years and was passed over for the position twice in the past two years, this year in favor of a Florida attorney with no elections department management experience. "I am deeply disappointed that during his first week in office, the new county clerk and registrar of voters (Clint Curtis) did not make any effort to meet with me or provide an opportunity to work collaboratively," Francescut said in a statement. "Most of all, I am saddened to leave a department and a team I have proudly served for the past 17 years. It has been an honor to contribute to Shasta County elections with integrity, experience, and dedication," Francescut said. Francescut did not say why she was terminated. The Record Searchlight left a message with her but did not receive a reply. Curtis also could not be reached at the elections department. On a 3-2 vote, the Board of Supervisors voted to hire Curtis over Francescut and two others who interviewed for the job during public interviews earlier this month. Francescut announced recently that she plans to seek election to the post when it comes up for election in 2026. Offering no evidence of wrongdoing, Curtis cast doubt on the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election. He also was an advocate of hand-counting ballots, which is illegal in California, except in races with fewer than 1,000 registered voters. As registrar of voters he told the board he planned to install more cameras in the department while ballots were being tabulated. He also advocated for fewer ballot drop boxes around the county. He also claimed that while he lived in Florida, he said he was asked to write a computer program that would enable elections workers to change votes, without the changes being detected. The application was never used, though, he said. While living in Florida, Curtis was a registered Democrat who ran for Congress multiple times. But he changed his party affiliation to Republican when he moved to Shasta County and noted on his registration that he lived at the same address as Patty Plumb, a local conservative activist and member of county Elections Commission. As part of her announcement that she no longer worked for the county, Francescut included a photo of a memo she received from Curtis that said she was an "at-will" employee and that her employment with the county ended on Tuesday, May 27. At will employees are subject to termination with an explanation. Reporter Damon Arthur welcomes story tips at 530-338-8834, by email at Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today! This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: New elections chief 'terminates' popular assistant registrar of voters
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Mexico marriage license fees increase on June 20
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Beginning June 20, 2025 the fee for getting a marriage license in New Mexico increases from $25 to $55. This fee increase is mandated under Senate Bill 290, which was signed into law by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on April 8, 2025. Police arrest man accused of stabbing victim multiple times in NW Albuquerque As outlined in the bill the marriage license fees will be distributed the following ways: $15 – To the County General Fund $25 – To the County Clerk's Office $20 – To the Children's Trust Fund, which supports programs for at-risk youth in New Mexico. The $25 fee will be applicable for any couple who is issued a marriage license prior to June 20. To apply for a marriage license, couples can apply online through their county or by contacting their county clerk's office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Geary Co. working to fix tax assessments after ‘miscalculation'
GEARY COUNTY (KSNT) – The Geary County Commission issued a statement Monday informing residents there was a miscalculation in the 2024 tax year assessments. The 2024 tax statements might not show the correct amount owed, according to the Geary County Commission's press release on April 7. Commissioners said people should 'not make payments based on the erroneous figures'. 'We understand receiving an incorrect statement can be confusing, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. The County Clerk's Office, in coordination with the Treasurer's Office, is working diligently to correct the issue.' Geary County Commission press release excerpt The county said the error was due to a miscalculation in the way tax rates were applied to a portion of the tax statement. County Clerk Courtney Gilbert told 27 News that on the assessments, the levy and values were correct, but the tax dollars owed were not. She said the error only impacts residents in Tax Unit #1. Evergy seeks rate hikes and approval for Kansas projects Customers in that tax unit will be receiving tax statements to make up the difference. Gilbert said those residents could owe anywhere from one penny to $70. Revised tax statements will be sent to impacted residents no later than May 1, 2025. 'We commend the County Clerk and Treasurer's Office for taking immediate steps to identify the cause of the miscalculation and their work toward correcting the issue. The accountability shown throughout this process is greatly appreciated, as is the commitment to ensuring that residents receive accurate and fair tax statement.' Geary County Commission press release excerpt For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Champaign Co. finds enough election judges
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Just a couple of days after the Champaign County Clerk's Office said that there might not be enough election judges for the April 1 general election, the county announced that Tuesday's election will proceed as planned. In a statement, the County Clerk's Office said that several people stepped up to serve has election judges. This will allow all polling locations to be open on Election Day. PREVIOUSLY: Champaign Co. may close polling locations with lack of election judges We want to thank the response from the community to serve as election judges. Elections don't happen without election judges who are willing to serve and give their time. Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons To find a voting center near you, visit the County Clerk's website. The polls are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. on April 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
