SANTA FE — New Mexico is closing state tax and motor vehicle offices while the City of Albuquerque makes it own changes in response to surging coronavirus infections across the state.
The Taxation and Revenue Department said it is closing down field offices and its motor vehicle division offices through Nov. 30. The state is offering a grace period during the pandemic for people to renew expired driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations, while expanding online services.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered a near lock-down to stem a steady increase in infections, hospitalizations and deaths related to the pandemic, starting Monday.
The state Supreme Court on Friday also postponed the start of any new civil and criminal jury trials until the end of the year. Exceptions can be approved by the chief justice.
The state’s appellate, district, metropolitan and magistrate courts will remain open while following guidelines to reduce risks of virus transmission.
Meanwhile, the City of Albuquerque announced its own closures or changes, also effective Monday, because of the health order. Among them:
■ The APD Records Office will be closed to walk-in visits. Police reports can be submitted to (505) 768-2020 or apdcentralrecords@cabq.gov. Records personnel are available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. APD is asking the public to use online reporting over the two weeks. Go to www.cabq.gov/police/file-a-police-report-online. APD’s substations will be closed.
■ All city buildings, including City Hall and the Clerk’s Office, will be closed to the public. The Clerk’s Office will continue to process requests to inspect public records that are received electronically. The office will still accept summonses, appeals and subpoenas. They should be submitted electronically to: summonsandappeals@cabq.gov.
■ All BioPark facilities will be closed as will indoor cultural facilities, including the Albuquerque Museum, Explora, Balloon Museum, Casa San Ysidro, the South Broadway Cultural Center and the KiMo Theatre.
■ Albuquerque-Bernalillo County libraries will be closed.
■ Community centers will be shut to the public, except for ongoing emergency childcare programs for essential workers.
■ The following Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed: Balloon Fiesta Park, the BMX Park, city pools, Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center, softball fields, city-owned Little League fields, golf courses, the Golf and Event Center, the Shooting Range Park, skate parks and tennis and pickleball courts.
■ The Open Space Visitor Center will be closed with all scheduled events canceled through at least Nov. 30.
■ Senior centers remain closed to the public except for ongoing grab-and-go meal sites.
■ Solid Waste Convenience Centers are open and trash collection will run as usual.
■ ABQ Ride and Sun Van service will shift to a Saturday-style schedule in the near future.
■ The 311 Community Contact Center is open. You can also report issues anytime through the OneABQ app.
