Councilor catches up on water bill

BERNALILLO, N.M. (KRQE) - A Bernalillo town councilor who chairs the council Finance Committee had been running way behind in paying her water bill until News 13 began asking questions.

Marian Jaramillo has been on the city council for five years, but unlike like most of the town's 6,600 residents, for years the councilor has lagged way behind on paying the town for water not only for her home but her two daycare centers as well.

Jaramillo said her daycare centers use a lot water with all the kids washing their hands and flushing the toilet.

KRQE News 13 has learned that Jaramillo has had an outstanding balance every month for at least the last two years. Last summer she owed about $2,000.

She racked up hundreds of dollars in late charges as well. The councilor says times are tough.

"Do I neglect my water bill? No, I don't," Jaramillo told KRQE News 13. "Every single month faithfully I take $400-$500 and do my very best and keep up my bill.

"Do I have a balance? Yes."

But when News 13 began asking about Jaramillo's water bill on Oct. 6 she owed $1,000. Within hours she rushed to Town Hall and paid all three bills in full.

"It's political," Jaramillo said about paying off the debt. "I'm contemplating running for mayor."

The town administrator told News 13 Jaramillo's water has never been shut off because she has worked with the water department and made payments.

The unpaid balance of the councilor's water bill is now zero, but as far as keeping there, Jaramillo said she's not making any promises.