Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Officials warn Live Oak waste diversion could cut parish revenues by up to $3.2M; biomethane royalties delayed
Summary
Parish staff told jurors Live Oak intends to divert waste to another landfill, potentially reducing 2025 revenues by about $1.6M and up to $3.2M in 2026; a biomethane gas system launch was delayed to June and royalties are expected about 90 days after it goes online.
Parish administrators told the DeSoto Parish Jury that Live Oak, the company that markets parish landfill capacity, plans to divert certain municipal waste streams to another disposal site, and staff estimated a possible revenue shortfall that could affect budgeting.
Finance staff reported that, based on current tonnages Live Oak reported, the parish could see an estimated revenue loss of about $1,600,000 for the remainder of 2025 and as much as $3,200,000 for the 2026 budget year if that diversion is maintained. An administrator described the situation as "very fluid" and said staff will provide updates as they receive new information.
Separately, the parish's biomethane gas system (partnered with Vitol) — previously scheduled to go online — has been delayed because of inspection-related issues. Staff said the system is now expected to begin operation sometime in June and that royalty payments to the parish should begin about 90 days after it is active; once a few months of royalties are received, auditors plan to add a line item for that revenue and propose a budget amendment for the current year.
During discussion jurors questioned why Live Oak would divert loads if DeSoto's per-ton rate remained competitive; staff said Live Oak described the change as a "business decision" and that Live Oak also operates trucking services and may have obtained better rates elsewhere. Jurors requested further investigation and updates for future budget planning.
Finance presented the April 2025 report at the meeting: Miss Lilly said general fund revenue was $6,200,000 with expenses of $3,300,000 and identified several line items that will require adjustments, including transfers to reconcile DA professional fees and salary postings.
