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Manzano water project faces billing discrepancy; county, rural water group propose phased repairs
Summary
Manzano Municipal Domestic Water Association told commissioners a remaining shortfall from ARPA-funded well-and-meter work stems from disputed contractor billing; county staff and rural-water operators proposed a phased approach to complete well rehab and meters while staff pursues invoice reconciliation.
Residents and water-association representatives urged the commission Nov. 13 to resolve a shortfall tied to ARPA-funded work on the Manzano well and residential meters. Manzano manager Orlando Lopez said county records show $45,000 allocated for wells and roughly $40,000 for meters in earlier actions, but contractor billing and installation records indicate one-meter and a small set of meter-can or hot-tap items billed but not accounted for in the field.
Rural-water operator Eddie Lueras offered the county a phased completion plan: the rural water agency would perform remaining meter work using county-purchased materials in exchange for county payment for parts; that approach would free ARPA funds to prioritize well rehabilitation. Lueras gave an itemized estimate for 19 meter centers and other meter parts (about $13,088) and suggested well rehab work be prioritized to ensure reliable supply. County staff confirmed New Mexico Meters billed for 40 meters, three meter cans and three hot taps but county inspection could only verify 39 meters, two meter cans and two hot taps on site.
County deputies asked staff to pursue reconciliation with the contractor, consider temporary funding to complete well repairs and evaluate whether remaining ARPA funds could be applied without overburdening county general funds. Chair Schwebach asked staff to pursue documentation and contractor follow-up and directed legal and finance staff to explore recovery options if billing errors are confirmed.
What happens next: staff will request supporting invoices, seek reconciliation with New Mexico Meters and/or Year Out, and proceed with phased well rehab and meter completion so customers regain reliable service. Commissioners discussed a potential short-term county payment to keep the project moving while seeking reimbursement from vendors if warranted.
