New Mexico Counties recognizes Sandoval Co. for several achievements

Sandoval County was one of 10 counties recognized Thursday for audit accountability in fiscal year 2021 by New Mexico Counties and the State Auditor’s Office.

The awards, categorized into large, mid-size and small counties, were given for outstanding work on audits, submitting them in a timely manner and sustaining excellence with the highest audit opinions. Sandoval County was one of three counties recognized under the large county awards category. “This is Sandoval County’s second audit award with an unmodified opinion and financial management excellence,” reads a release from New Mexico Counties. “An unmodified opinion is the best opinion that can be given and means that the financial statements are presented fairly by following generally accepted principals.”

Sandoval County also received an honorable mention in Division 5 for the Workers’ Compensation Safety Award. Ten counties were recognized with this award for achieving a positive claim trend and the lowest frequency of workers’ compensation claims for 2022. The top counties in each division (Bernalillo County in Division 5) also received a $7,000 contribution refund.

The county was also one of nine recognized with a 2022 Risk Awareness Program Award, which is a workplace control educational program aiming to reduce the frequency and severity of claims through risk awareness and safety practices. Sandoval County was recognized for completing year eight of the program and reducing workers’ compensation claims by 17% and law enforcement claims by 56%.

During the conference, Sandoval County received its third three-year re-accreditation certificate for the Misdemeanor Compliance Program by the Adult Misdemeanor Compliance Accreditation Professional Standards Council. This initiative “serves as the professional organization to develop and ensure a system of uniform standards for the statewide Misdemeanor Compliance Program,” the announcement reads. “This program holds the gold standard in the state with valid, reliable research and exemplary correctional practices. It promotes socially responsible and humane correctional policies and practices, sound public policies, adherence to ethics within the justice profession, excellence in professional development, innovation and education; and fostering integral relationships with the communities served.”

Sandoval County is one of five counties in the state that has attained accreditation, first gaining it in 2017.

The county also received its first three-year accreditation certificate for 911 emergency communications from the New Mexico Emergency Communications Professional Standards Council. The council’s mission is to enhance the professionalism, uniformity and consistency in the operation of 911 emergency communications centers in New Mexico. Four counties have received accreditation since the voluntary program began in 2014.