The Aztec City Commission on March 24 welcomed its new city manager and received an upbeat economic development report that officials said reflects long‑awaited progress for the community.
Mayor Mike Padilla introduced Jay Ruybalid as the city’s next manager before turning the floor over to Four Corners Economic Development CEO Tim Gibbs, who detailed the organization’s recent work on business recruitment, site development and housing initiatives. Commissioners and residents praised the direction of 4CED under Gibbs’ leadership, saying the city is seeing its strongest economic development footing in years.
The meeting also included public comments on data center concerns and a proposal from Aztec Youth Sports to build a new facility at Hartman Park.
John Faverino, sitting in the front row, said he has served as chairman of the Aztec Economic Development Board and that 4CED has a position on that board.
Since Gibbs took over about two years ago, Faverino said, both groups have seen “a great transition in the professionalism and function,” with improved collaboration between the public and private sectors.
He recommended the city continue and grow its relationship with 4CED, saying an outside perspective brought by Gibbs was needed in Aztec.
Commissioner Brett Lanier told Gibbs he’s done a “phenomenal job.” Padilla invited Gibbs to return every six months to provide updates on economic development.
Tricia Gomez said she has attended several commission meetings to better understand city issues and came away from a recent two‑hour workshop with concerns about the complexity and cost of electricity, the city’s water supply and, most notably, the potential impact of data centers.
“As somebody who watches the national news and seeing how data centers are tearing some communities apart, I also see that the current technology is inefficient and is due to be upgraded in three or four years time, she said.
She praised the commission’s forward‑thinking approach but warned that data centers and private equity require careful consideration and a full understanding of their potential benefits and drawbacks.
Dustin Titus, with Aztec Youth Sports, said the organization was formed in 2019 to support youth football through the YAFL. It has since expanded into track and wrestling.
“We feel like one of the most important things is our youth,” he said.
Currently, the organization uses the YAFL field at Hartman Park, where the city installed lighting last year that has not yet been operational.
Titus said Aztec Youth Sports has a plan to expand its programs and raise funding for a building near the field. The building would be donated to the city but operated by Aztec Youth Sports. It would include an equipment room and a wrestling room for children to use in winter.
They have “amazing equipment that’s basically brand new,” but only a small room to properly store it, Titus said. The organization’s 11‑member board would also use the building, with office space for meetings.
Titus, who works for Hilcorp Energy Co., said the Aztec Youth Sports nonprofit would raise seed money to help fund the building.
The building would benefit the organization, local youth and the city, he said, requesting further discussion and asking to “get on the docket.”
Padilla said it was a “great idea” and noted Hilcorp’s support. He asked whether the project has been or could be included in the organization’s contract with the city.
The commission approved several routine business items related to utilities and public health services.
Item A, an amended transmission agreement with the City of Farmington, was approved unanimously. Padilla thanked staff for ensuring the agreement was reviewed by the city’s legal department.
Item B, Special Budget Resolution 2026-1558, an agreement with San Juan County and the city to share $5,600 in vector control costs, was approved unanimously.
Commissioner Katie Buchholz asked whether the expense had been budgeted and whether the funds were still available. Finance Director Jennie Achee said the item had been budgeted in 2025 but not paid and rolled into the general fund, requiring reallocation.
Item C, Western Area Power Administration Southwest Power Pool transition documents, was also approved unanimously.
Commissioner Brett Lanier said signing the agreement was mandatory because exiting the grid was not an option at this time. Buchholz clarified that utility bills were not increasing April 1.
Padilla reported that he was asked to sign a letter on behalf of the city supporting a T‑Mobile grant review committee for the Citizens Revival Project, which includes a Main Street Activation Weekend proposed by the Aztec Downtown Association. He said he supports the request and noted that the letter carries no obligation for the city.
Padilla also reported attending an Economic Development Advisory Board meeting earlier in the week, which he described as “very educational” and helpful in informing decision‑making.
Commissioner Austin Randall reported that New Mexico Game and Fish stocked 120 trout in the Riverside Park pond and more than 1,200 trout in the Tiger Park pond. He also welcomed the new city manager.
Mayor Pro Tem Jason Cortez encouraged residents to follow the city’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, saying many city activities are not widely known to the public.
Cortez said the Aztec Library recently hired a student intern working 12.5 hours per week and recognized library director Angela Watkins, who is speaking at the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Commissioner Brett Lanier welcomed Ruybalid and reported that the Aztec Chamber of Commerce has launched an ambassador program. He also noted that Leadership San Juan is accepting applications, with a May 15 deadline.
Ruybalid thanked the commission for the welcome and said he looks forward to working with commissioners and staff. He said department heads have been asked to submit reports and noted he has already met with several in person.
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