Aztec business owner urges transparency on utility fees, questions solar contract and why businesses missed electric credit

Dr. Ashley Seifarth, owner of Care Drug and the Aztec Event Den, told the City Commission on March 10 that municipal utility base fees and service charges are imposing a financial burden on small businesses and asked for greater transparency on how certain fees are set and spent.

Seifarth said she compared billing for two identical Care Drug stores — one in Aztec and one in Bloomfield — and found striking differences in the base fees and service charges. She told the commission that her vacant building’s base fee is roughly $235 a month while usage may be as little as $7, and she asked why Aztec charges stormwater and a $20 monthly wastewater improvement fee that she said other nearby cities do not. “Why are we paying for rain?” she asked during her remarks.

Seifarth also said businesses did not receive an electric-rate credit that the commission distributed to residents; city staff said they would check individual business accounts and confirm whether a refund or credit applied. Seifarth raised concerns that a long-term solar contract under discussion — referenced in public materials as extending to 2035 — could have contributed to higher rates, and she asked the electric department and finance director to provide a detailed breakdown of charge components and the rationale behind them.

Chair responded that staff will make billing materials available and invited Seifarth to meet directly with the city finance director and electric director so staff could resolve questions. Commissioners and staff encouraged further discussion in an upcoming public workshop.

Next steps: staff agreed to check Ashley's account for any missed credits, provide background on the wastewater improvement fee and stormwater revenue balances, and discuss the solar contract and future electricity costs at a scheduled workshop.