Commission approves reclassification to create recycling coordinator / code-enforcement role

The Taos County Commission on Oct. 7 approved a personnel reclassification in the Solid Waste Department to combine code-enforcement duties with a recycling-coordinator role and to reclassify a transfer-station attendant into a recycling specialist position.

Edward Martinez, solid waste staff, described the change as recognizing the coordinating work already done by Lorenzo Gutierrez and responding to rapidly increasing recycling volumes. Martinez said the county is shipping recyclables to processing centers in McKinley County and Santa Fe and that the transfer station had become one of the busiest county facilities.

Commissioners praised the solid-waste crew and supported the reclassification and budget change; Commissioner Brush moved to approve the reclassification and Commissioner Veil seconded. The clerk called the roll and recorded affirmative votes for the motion.

Motion and vote: Motion to approve reclassification and associated salary and benefits adjustments for FY2025–26; motion carried on roll call. Staff said interviews have been held and two additional recycling hires are expected to support expanding recycling operations.

The county did not read a specific dollar amount for the salary and benefits increase into the public record during the Oct. 7 meeting; staff said the change will increase compensation for the reclassified positions for the fiscal year.