Landfill board approves March financials; staff cites billing delay from new POS system

The Taos Regional Landfill Board approved its March financial statements and the quarterly tonnage report at its April 16 meeting.

Finance Director Jonathan Montoya presented the month and third-quarter summaries, saying the system began the year with about $5.49 million in beginning cash and had collected roughly $1.72 million in revenues year to date. Montoya reported expenditures of about $1.02 million and said pending cash across funds stood near $6.0 million. He also noted the landfill’s March revenue was the first month billing under a new Paradigm POS system, and a processing delay pushed February bills into April’s cycle.

Montoya said the landfill’s year‑to‑date revenue through the quarter was roughly 72% of budgeted revenues and that, once delayed bills post, the figure will likely move closer to about 80% of budget. He also provided operational metrics: 3,311.06 tons for March and a year‑to‑date tonnage of about 25,557 tons, with a month cost per ton of about $60.32 and a year‑to‑date average cost per ton near $47.53.

Board members asked how diversion and recycling programs affect landfill revenue and whether the financials can support expanded diversion. Montoya and staff said the monthly tonnage report breaks down origin by jurisdiction, and that additional analysis can be provided to compare diverted tonnage against revenue impacts. The board debated the tradeoffs of diversion efforts and revenue sustainability but approved the financial report by roll call.

The board’s approval allows staff to move forward with the planned budget tracking and to incorporate the delayed billing in April’s report, which will adjust the March figures once posted.