[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6222203,"mediaKeyId","3610609-3893a91b55c4a1f81591611ed3fc117e","parentId",3610609,"title","Solid waste fund near balance but relies on subsidy; contractor rate increases flagged as possible pressure point","audioSeconds",86,"startMs",3519000,"endMs",3605000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3610609-3893a91b55c4a1f81591611ed3fc117e&start=3519&end=3605","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3610609-3893a91b55c4a1f81591611ed3fc117e/thumbnail_3519000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6222203/Colfax-County/New-Mexico/Solid-waste-fund-near-balance-but-relies-on-subsidy-contractor-rate-increases-flagged-as-possible-pressure-point","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222203-396624cde23513f89dd202164b6690ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771036835&Signature=oCKFu0k4luw~XPQQgMYBFAcJXK~JciTwNQZDRCfLBbzbNN3aSLI1D~PNWe1kxfsV8-SZRqn2mJta7XMBFNmBvWVOkFS-cKcknh27Fm7e6iBxDaGgybIB4nh2R7CrJOm3vLi~mhFRuAeFLR6~ruMUZ~JWIw-Fv~rgp5UKzq0RFKqSsZ69Q6XbJjhqlaIjnZIb6aiq9F~~BpBcCSef-qXgUeYtuDigv9VQHiGvPtPuPCrgPA1RibPBfTfHx60WlPzI70jz1GuOvzR-1nsieQHdwZZ54USrc7ORSeWYvhEyJ305xnyt7ORVKpmk6dmSVrBFlHkobx1hdNmPG8w4reXfaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Colfax County, NM","date","2025-05-30T16:25:30.207Z","article","County staff told the commission that the solid waste enterprise fund is currently projected to be roughly balanced but continues to receive a modest operating transfer from the general fund.

Justin Reed explained that the solid waste operation is an enterprise fund segregated from the general fund and noted that last year the general fund subsidy totaled about $300,000; the draft FY‑26 budget reduces that planned subsidy to $167,000. The solid waste manager and staff warned commissioners about a contractor rate increase that took effect in FY‑25 (a cited 40% jump) and a possible additional annual escalation that might affect FY‑26; staff asked to confirm contract escalation terms.

A solid waste staff member, Michael (solid waste coordinator), asked whether his payroll allocation could be changed so that more of his salary came from lodgers tax rather than solid waste. Staff explained there are limits on administrative uses of lodgers tax and that the solid waste fund is currently balanced, receiving a small subsidy; moving payroll costs would simply shift the operating transfer amount rather than reduce the general fund burden.

Commissioners also discussed unpaid customer accounts in solid waste collections; staff said there were roughly 300 accounts with about $1,000 balances each in arrears and recommended improved collections and liens as potential ways to improve the fund’s bottom line.

Why it matters: Solid waste operations are designed to run as an enterprise fund, but when enterprise revenues and contractor costs change the fund can require general fund support. Commissioners asked staff to confirm contract escalation clauses and to pursue collections where appropriate.

Next steps: Staff will verify the contractor contract escalation terms and return with any necessary budget adjustments; staff will also present delinquent account reports and collections options to help forecast whether the operating transfer can be further reduced.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Colfax County Commission Meeting 5-29-2025","oneSentenceSummary","County staff reported solid waste as an enterprise fund that is ‘‘segregated’’ but historically received general fund subsidy. Commissioners discussed contractor rate increases and unpaid accounts as risks to the fund’s balance.","taxTitle","Colfax County, New Mexico","taxId",70187,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222208,"Detention leader says commissary, staffing already at minimum as commissioners probe $170 inmate‑housing rate",117,6595000,6712000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3610609-3893a91b55c4a1f81591611ed3fc117e&start=6595&end=6712","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3610609-3893a91b55c4a1f81591611ed3fc117e/thumbnail_6595000.jpg","/articles/6222208/Colfax-County/New-Mexico/Detention-leader-says-commissary-staffing-already-at-minimum-as-commissioners-probe-170-inmatehousing-rate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222208-baac24f3cd19eaad055995f97c19ceab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771036835&Signature=XnCRqeR4EDK723WOAwXHXkd6DsQesPsUR0ENb~XjGRtwFBrCJgKPurBb02gHFq65U9jYEMx5jAqvR23rnge957NM~RdAI2HfzjGfMwK4Whsz4ucTmvyK5CTtk~VGu32FygovrXazOKJ2eUihTupAQmqzsgvtTcE-hSmJgttJV2CCUyUpSLzi5TWpjQnxyhkYsY7kD3AE4R-xr5UijiYKumdDdZlr77oLLh6fC06SopGhWIwws83IN7b-rjeOGeRDAIMbXGVORXFkYz2EdiLglPoY~fnAVicegjb-bfw9QLL5k9lxBg-xjpQf8ZAzvpKAYu0EtaXz4-4R2J3A2puBoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Colfax County’s corrections leadership reported operating cuts but said the detention center has little room for additional reductions without cutting staff.

The warden provided a list of operating reductions totaling roughly $36,000 but said any additional savings would need to come from payroll. \"I literally cannot take anything else away,\" the warden said, stressing the minimum staffing needed for 24/7 operations.

Separately, staff reported the county will raise the off‑site detainee housing rate from about $99.75 per day to $170 per day, effective July 1. Corrections staff estimated that the higher rate will increase detention‑related revenue materially and reduce the required operating transfer from the general fund for the detention special revenue account. Staff said the change would be in effect for the coming fiscal year.

Commissioners discussed commissary and pharmacy projections (profit-generating lines for the detention facility), and the effect of any change on revenue. Corrections requested that commissary not be cut below levels that would eliminate its revenue stream; commissioners agreed to a conservative approach that retained commissary revenue assumptions.

Later in the meeting, the commission approved a personnel pay action for jail officers (see separate action). Commissioners also asked staff to freeze but not delete one open detention position so the county could reinstate it quickly if population or operational needs changed.

Why it matters: Staffing and revenue assumptions at the detention center affect both public safety and the county’s general fund; commissioners noted that shortfalls in a corrections budget could require transfers from the general fund or draw on reserves.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the detainee‑housing rate change paperwork and update the detention fund transfer in the county budget model. The commission directed that the frozen open position be retained in the salary schedule as a quickly reversible measure.","The county’s corrections leadership supplied operating cuts but said more reductions would require staff cuts; commissioners approved a separate pay action for jail officers later in the meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222213,"Commissioners weigh leasing vs. purchasing road graders as five leases near expiration",6897,528000,7425000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3610609-3893a91b55c4a1f81591611ed3fc117e&start=528&end=7425","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3610609-3893a91b55c4a1f81591611ed3fc117e/thumbnail_528000.jpg","/articles/6222213/Colfax-County/New-Mexico/Commissioners-weigh-leasing-vs-purchasing-road-graders-as-five-leases-near-expiration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222213-3802e33da3a569fdb6261c3bcd515cdc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771036835&Signature=FXsxE8FH5GGg2u4-IbRGa0KZkopxZ5Wc1iW6a9YcohsvGWWeiEL7vnMkrZisitHVHT2v6cIEwI2q2Do9voEVoW-l8Exay1NVZFkgPbaF3Tay2dH52ubVjD1dzESIImxEtGvfomUrdZYq~HUEn8OkJuOjAQ65EYmlag2KtJ7nUhdPqIJL~DsyfihhWA4JIt-LdEAQTpwx8~BqDrcU9vTcHI9TUd-SNlHAOt111MZLxcLHy4lFqrEEtgq1m5lIx8ThPAgkcna4IB8NeNCxyCeYXjOtMqEZ4yEHFfVOzwiiK1YOP7QgA2PN38EBO~ldf5gIBuggQfteeMstYz-tkJVyoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Colfax County’s road department told commissioners that five of six leased graders are approaching the end of their leases, prompting a decision about whether to renew leases at higher rates or to purchase equipment.

Justin Reed summarized the equipment situation: the graders are roughly five years old and ‘‘have an expected life of around 10 to 12 years.’’ He said two large lease contracts expire soon, one in July and another in September, and renewing all of the machines would raise annual lease payments substantially compared with the current budget.

Glenn, identified in the meeting as the road department head, described operational realities and risks. He said the machines are all ‘‘pretty close to 3,000 hours’’ on the odometer and that much of the maintenance for the newer, highly computerized equipment requires manufacturer‑authorized service. He noted that longer-term ownership can expose the county to significant one‑time refurbishing costs and ongoing maintenance expenses for computer-controlled systems.

Staff presented three scenarios: renew all leases at new higher rates, buy all machines using the vendors’ purchase options, or a hybrid approach — buy three machines and renew leases on the remaining two. Commissioners and the road leader favored a middle path to spread one‑time refurbishment costs and preserve immediate winter and emergency response capacity; one commissioner specifically recommended freezing an open operator position to offset part of the increased lease cost.

Why it matters: Road graders are central to snow removal and maintaining county haul routes. Commissioners emphasized the county’s long, rural road network and the potential public‑safety impacts of reduced grader availability during heavy snow or other emergencies.

Next steps: County staff will finalize cost comparisons (renewal vs. buy vs. hybrid), show the impact on the FY‑26 operating budget, and return with a recommendation for formal action. The commission directed staff to preserve funds in one‑time capital lines (culverts/bridges) if possible and to consider a mix of lease renewals and one‑time purchases that limit recurring budget pressure.","County staff reported that leases on most grader fleet units will expire this year; commissioners and the road superintendent discussed buying some machines, renewing leases for others, and the safety/service tradeoffs of each option.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222216,"Colfax County commissioners approve interim budget, plan to cover remaining shortfall from reserves",11916,464000,12380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3610609-3893a91b55c4a1f81591611ed3fc117e&start=464&end=12380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3610609-3893a91b55c4a1f81591611ed3fc117e/thumbnail_464000.jpg","/articles/6222216/Colfax-County/New-Mexico/Colfax-County-commissioners-approve-interim-budget-plan-to-cover-remaining-shortfall-from-reserves","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222216-3bf337b638dbc99460feaf76495aef9f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771036835&Signature=bcZngdHWBhluntpZ42~~YDlyYo2YSoqcmfY~hFQmFBv59ZN6sU5mK5xrcjb-Dc0MD86WIJgHxAmdamxJ6N~NyRmRn~rVNEhaIq3xfrTdel82dLVDehOvqZS49GhweBFOHxJ4ONfjNiw-vxT-EoK-zoGWrHOVRHY-n0oXFqh6EXyhOmKJpyfijFJ~XBDd366CJVJ4zNuYFcXPRcaCaIJN3baZdd8R7m69gONllvcgvr~NHOVYjaWWC~k4wFB0nT22fE6-Q5tbbAQ36o8ekfVhj6~~TqFSgWW5~T~lJbmWgcaHDT6nn7FE~3PSlxv1xva796aecnmny2uq4q7ih4UKpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Colfax County Board of Commissioners voted to submit an interim county budget on an interim basis and to cover the remaining shortfall from the county’s cash reserves.

The decision came after a daylong working session in which county staff and department heads reviewed proposed cuts across most county departments to reduce a recurring general-fund shortfall. Justin Reed, the county staff lead for the budget review, told the commission, “The current deficit in the general fund is right around 900,000.” Commissioners then discussed a package of personnel freezes, operating cuts and one‑time changes intended to bring the budget closer to balance before the final budget process.

The discussion focused on preserving essential services while trimming recurring costs. Commissioners asked staff to identify nonrecurring expenditures that could be shifted out of the operating budget, to compare Colfax with similarly sized New Mexico counties for staffing benchmarks, and to pursue potential additional revenue sources and collection improvements. Audrey (commissioner) asked staff to compile comparable staffing lists from neighboring counties; Justin said staff had already begun contacting other offices and would provide follow‑up information.

Multiple departments proposed personnel reductions or freezes. Staff and department heads reported targeted reductions and suggested freezing specific open positions to preserve operational capacity while creating immediate payroll savings. The commission also asked that any position freezes be recorded as “zeroed out” but retained in the salary schedule so they could be reinstated quickly if the county’s financial picture improved.

After the final discussion, Commissioner Kern moved to submit the interim budget as presented and to treat the remaining deficit as an interim draw on reserves; the motion was seconded and adopted on a roll call vote (Commissioner Kern: yes; Commissioner Trujillo: yes; Chairman Tatum: yes). The board directed staff to circulate the exact PDF of the approved interim budget and the associated personnel changes to commissioners and department heads for review ahead of the next meeting.

Why it matters: The interim budget submission obligates county staff to present a formal FY-26 budget with a planned draw on reserves unless the commission adopts other measures in coming weeks. Commissioners said they want to minimize reserve use over time but felt immediate action was necessary to submit a legally compliant interim budget and to give departments a stable baseline for operations and payroll planning.

Next steps: Staff will provide commissioners with peer-county staffing comparisons and an updated budget document that reflects the freezes, the one‑time adjustments and the commission-approved use of reserves. The commission scheduled continued budget work between the interim submission and the final budget vote to refine recurring savings and evaluate potential revenue options.","The Colfax County Board of Commissioners voted to submit an interim fiscal year budget that still leaves a recurring deficit; commissioners said the remainder will be drawn from county reserves while departments pursue further cuts and comparisons with peer counties.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Solid waste fund near balance but relies on subsidy; contractor rate increases flagged as possible pressure point

Detention leader says commissary, staffing already at minimum as commissioners probe $170 inmate‑housing rate

Commissioners weigh leasing vs. purchasing road graders as five leases near expiration

Colfax County commissioners approve interim budget, plan to cover remaining shortfall from reserves