Report Says Official Got Bill Extensions

A report released by the city attorney Thursday indicates that Councilwoman Joanne Baltierrez received improper extensions of her overdue water bills but stopped short of saying she had requested the preferential treatment.

In October the City Council asked the city attorney to investigate the matter after former council candidate Juana Mojica presented documents indicating that Baltierrez, a former mayor, had fallen as much as six months behind in her payments. Contrary to city policy, Baltierrez’s water had never been shut off, thus sparing the councilwoman from several $30 reconnection fees.

The city attorney’s report confirmed that Mojica’s allegations had merit but also indicated that Baltierrez was not the only customer who had received breaks.

According to the report by City Atty. J. Arnoldo Beltran, “multiple extensions have been granted to council member Baltierrez and other customers in violation of Ordinance 1408. . . . Termination notices do not appear to have been delivered [to Baltierrez] on eight occasions when such notices were required by the city code.”

The report also said Baltierrez had paid off the balance of her water bill, including penalties for late payments.

“In my view this makes it clear that there was preferential treatment, and I find it hard to accept that she didn’t ask for it,” said Mayor Raul Godinez II, a frequent opponent of Baltierrez on council issues. “What is particularly disturbing to me is that it shows a long pattern of delinquency in her account.”

Godinez said the council would act quickly to make sure the city’s billing procedures are applied equally to all.

Baltierrez denied acting improperly, suggesting the flap stems from political differences between her and other council members.

She acknowledged falling behind on her bill when she was unemployed, but denied ever requesting special treatment.

“They are making this out as though there were a crime. There is no crime,” Baltierrez said. “Was it a bad decision not to pay my bill on time? Probably. If I would have known it was going to cause this much trouble I would have chosen not to pay my rent that month instead of my water bill.”

Baltierrez had asked the city attorney to investigate who had disclosed her account information to Mojica. But the city attorney concluded no laws appeared to have been violated and elected not to pursue the matter.

The report will be discussed at the next council meeting on Dec. 15, officials said.