Moriarty City Council confronts wastewater compliance, approves emergency sewer repairs
The Moriarty City Council’s January 28, 2026 meeting focused heavily on the city’s wastewater treatment system, including regulatory compliance efforts, emergency sewer repairs, and long-term infrastructure planning after the city was notified by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) of potential enforcement actions.
The council also approved grant-funded purchases, adopted a county hazard mitigation plan to preserve disaster funding eligibility, and advanced work on the city’s comprehensive plan.
The council approved the consent agenda, which included:
- Minutes from the Jan. 14 regular meeting and Jan. 21 special meeting
- Accounts payable bills
- Utility bill corrections
- Renewal of the First Baptist Church contract for 2026 security services
- A Lodgers Tax donation recommendation to Rocking Horse Ranch ($8,160)
Wastewater Update and Emergency Repairs
Regulatory compliance and long-term options
Donzil Worthington of Bohannan Huston provided a detailed presentation outlining Moriarty's compliance issues at the wastewater treatment plant and steps taken in response to state enforcement notices.
The presentation reviewed:
- Hazardous sludge accumulation
- Flow meter and operational compliance issues
- Loss of effluent reuse sales
- Short-term corrective action items
- Long-term rehabilitation versus replacement options
A preliminary engineering report (PER) has been completed to support funding applications, including submissions to the Water Trust Board. The consultant outlined two primary paths: rehabilitating and modernizing the existing plant or constructing a new facility.
Near-term corrective actions were described as critical to maintaining regulatory standing while longer-term funding is pursued.
Emergency Manhole and Line Repairs Approved
During the discussion, Worthington described severe deterioration at certain manholes near the wastewater plant and along a commercial corridor. Officials indicated failure could interrupt sewer flow to the treatment facility if not addressed promptly. The council approved $47,151.56 emergency manhole repairs near the wastewater treatment plant and the municipal airport.
Airport Grant: Equipment Building Approved
The council approved expenditure for a tractor and mower building under Grant OEO-26-01-S, totaling $362,418. The project is fully funded through a state grant and includes previously purchased mowing equipment and a new 30-by-50-foot building to house the equipment. The facility may also be used for briefings during airport events.
Comprehensive Plan Update
Bianca Borg, a representative from the Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG), provided an update regarding the city’s comprehensive plan.
The draft document is expected to be shared in late February, followed by two public open houses in March and a 30-day public review period in April. Final adoption is anticipated in May.
Borg emphasized that maintaining up-to-date planning documents is critical for securing state and federal infrastructure funding.
Water Grant Resolution Approved
The council approved Resolution 25-26-11 related to Water Grant SAP-23-H2506-GF. The resolution formalizes acceptance and the paperwork necessary to access legislative appropriation funding.
Library Improvements Funded by Rural Grant
The council approved the purchase of shelving and interactive items for the children’s area, totaling $12,500, funded through the Rural Library Grant.
Hazard Mitigation Plan Adopted
The council adopted Resolution 25-26-09 approving the Torrance County Hazard Mitigation Plan. City officials noted adoption is necessary to remain eligible for many forms of state and federal disaster assistance funding. The council also designated representatives to participate in the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).
Police Merit Increase Approved
The council approved a merit increase (a raise) for Officer Myrick in the amount of $3,584.86, funded through New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) retention funds.
Veterans Monument Improvements
The council approved repairs and improvements to the Veterans Monument, including accessibility adjustments, masonry repair, landscaping hazard corrections, and graffiti removal.
The meeting closed with discussion of a request from Bernalillo State Forestry to use the Civic Center, and how the request was withdrawn after organizers secured a different venue. This represented a loss of potential income, as the city councilors noted.