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Council adopts Taos Regional Landfill rate study recommendation: 25% increase plus annual adjustments
Summary
The council voted to adopt the Taos Regional Landfill (TRL) rate study recommendations approved by the landfill board: a one‑time 25% rate increase and an annual escalation policy. The study raised member rates from $45 to $57.50 per ton and non‑member rates from $49.50 to $62.50 per ton in the examples used in the report; the board recommended an
The Taos Town Council on May 27 approved the 2025 Taos Regional Landfill (TRL) rate study and forwarded the board‑recommended rate adjustments to implementation.
Staff and the TRL consultant presented the study, which examined operating costs, capital cell construction and equipment‑replacement needs. The report showed the landfill projected a net operating loss at current rates and recommended a one‑time increase of roughly 25% on tipping fees to restore a positive net revenue position and fund future cell construction and equipment replacement. The TRL Board recommended adopting the 25% increase and implementing an annual rate adjustment tied to a CPI index (the board discussed a 5% annual adjustment as an example in the study discussion).
Staff described sample rate changes in the presentation: member rates were shown rising from $45 to $57.50 per ton and non‑member rates from $49.50 to $62.50 per ton under the recommended adjustment. Council members and TRL board representatives noted the rate increases are intended to cover rising costs for cell construction, equipment and environmental obligations.
Council discussed the practical effect on constituents and the mechanics of passing the increase through to ratepayers. Staff said the town acts as fiscal agent and that member entities and private customers will see adjustments via billing allocations; staff also said waste collection contracts (third‑party haulers) already contain annual increases that would be layered with the landfill rate changes.
The council adopted the rate‑study resolution by vote and directed staff to proceed with implementing the new rates and the annual escalation policy as recommended by the TRL board. Council membership on the regional board and landfill staff attended the meeting and supported the recommendation.
