Resident demands probe after alleging city officials disparaged his business and cost city millions

Daniel Rubio introduced himself during public comment and described a merchant‑services proposal he said would save the city roughly $4.5 million over three years ("That's a $126,000 a month"). Rubio said a finance manager in a neighboring city contacted him in distress after being told by someone not to do business with Rubio or his company.

Rubio said he has provided repeated written proposals and calls to city staff without response and that his and his wife’s names were publicly disparaged. "I want an investigation," Rubio said, and later added he wanted "whatever city official that Artesia talked to and ran my name and my wife's name through the mud... fired immediately." Rubio gave the council a date‑stamped packet of materials and said he would provide copies to the clerk.

Council members and staff responded that the council and elected officials do not have authority to fire staff without due process, apologized for the apparent lack of communication, and asked Rubio to meet with the mayor and city manager to provide documentation. Councilors also said the forum that evening was not the place for a full investigation and encouraged an appointment to pursue the matter.

Why it matters: Rubio’s comments allege both reputational harm and potential procurement irregularities. The council did not launch an immediate formal inquiry during the meeting but asked Rubio to provide his materials to staff for follow up.

What comes next: The mayor invited Rubio to meet with city staff to review his documentation; councilors asked staff to work with the mayor and city manager to follow up.

Sources: Public comment at Roswell City Council meeting, April 9 (Daniel Rubio).