Steve Anaya, who has served on the Moriarty City Council for 33 years, will not seek reelection as the city continues to address financial management issues stemming from a failed software conversion.
Anaya, first elected in 1992, said his decision was driven by personal circumstances, including caring for his 96-year-old father and wanting to spend more time with grandchildren in Texas.
“After 33 years of serving the community, going to meetings all the time, I thoroughly enjoyed it,” Anaya said during an interview. “This is probably one of the best positions I’ve had.”
The councilor’s departure comes as the city works to resolve accounting problems that originated from a problematic conversion to the Cassell financial software system after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That conversion, frankly, has been the biggest problem,” Anaya said. “People were not traveling, we didn’t get proper training. I think there were probably a lot of issues there.”
Software problems persist
The Cassell system conversion has left the city with unposted transactions dating back nearly a decade, according to city officials. Anaya said the council has hired consultants and accountants to help resolve the issues while working with state auditors.
“We need to make sure it’s the right program. Number two is, if it is, we need to make sure we’re properly trained,” he said.
The financial management problems have drawn scrutiny from former City Clerk/Treasurer Deborah Liu, who resigned in August, alleging government corruption. Anaya dismissed her claims as those of “a disgruntled employee that has just quit her job.”
Liu had disclosed IRS documents showing the city faced payroll tax fines and suggested employees could be owed up to $18,000 in back pay. However, new City Clerk Emily Sanchez recently told officials that no money was taken from employee salaries and the issue was a reporting error.
Major accomplishments
Despite recent challenges, Anaya highlighted several major projects he helped bring to Moriarty during his tenure:
Main Street Enhancement: In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Anaya said he spearheaded a seven-year effort to landscape Main Street, securing state, local and federal funding. The project faced initial criticism but was later praised by residents.
Civic Center: Anaya said he helped develop the current civic center after recognizing the community had outgrown its previous facility. The project was funded primarily through gross receipts tax revenue.
Veterans Monument: Working with local veterans groups, Anaya said he helped establish a monument for living and deceased veterans in 2016. The wall has room for about 1,000 names and continues to add honorees.
Fire Department: The councilor said he also worked with the former mayor and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury to secure funding for a new fire station, part of a $5 million project completed in recent years.
Looking forward
Despite the current financial management challenges, Anaya expressed optimism about Moriarty’s future, noting increased gross receipts tax revenue and new housing development.
“We’re in good shape financially. It’s the accounting, that conversion, that we just need to get our arms around,” he said.
The city has seen significant growth, with 50-60 new housing units built in recent years compared to the previous average of three or four annually. Anaya cited rising gross receipts tax revenue and new business development as positive indicators.
However, Anaya identified significant infrastructure challenges ahead, including aging water and sewer systems, road maintenance needs and negotiations with the New Mexico Department of Transportation on three interstate interchange improvements. The state Environment Department has also cited the city for sewage treatment plant violations that require engineering solutions.
Continued involvement
Though stepping down from the council, Anaya said he plans to remain active in the community. He currently serves on four committees, including two housing boards, the CNM Foundation board and the Estancia, Moriarty, Willard, Torrance County Water Board (EMWT).
The water board recently received a $14 million grant to drill a well in McIntosh as part of efforts to create a regional water authority similar to Bernalillo County’s system.
“I’m still going to be involved in the city,” Anaya said. “I’m optimistic about the future for the city of Moriarty.”
Anaya encouraged community members to get involved in local government, saying he has tried to maintain “the highest level of integrity” and do “what helps the most and hurts the least.”
The city council election will be held on Nov. 4.
