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Board urged to lease $1M compactor as aging machines break down
Summary
Landfill staff told the board both compactors are aging, breaking down frequently and costing substantial repairs; vendors quoted machines around $1.0–1.1 million and staff recommended pursuing lease options with maintenance included while preparing financing options for the board.
Landfill staff told the Taos Regional Landfill board on Feb. 1 that both on-site compactors are aging and breaking down regularly, prompting discussion about leasing or financing a replacement compactor.
Director Vasquez said the town has two aging compactors and that quotes for replacement equipment range from about $1 million for a Caterpillar machine to about $1.1 million for a Tana-brand unit. "The Caterpillar is at 1,000,000, $48,809," Vasquez said when listing vendor pricing.
Assistant Manager Mark Flores emphasized operational risks from failing equipment. "We're not gonna be able to cover the trash as required and compact it as required," Flores said, warning that continued failures could force an operational shutdown if reliable equipment is not obtained and maintained.
Board members favored leasing as the initial path. Staff said lease packages typically include annual inspections and major mechanical coverage, leaving local responsibilities such as fuel and routine topping‑off of fluids; staff recommended a five‑year lease in many cases and noted that leasing preserves budget flexibility and reduces the town’s exposure to depreciating heavy equipment.
Members asked staff to return with a written assessment that lists required equipment, line-item costs for lease versus purchase, and financing options (including potential DFA loan use) for the next meeting. The board did not commit to a specific purchase or loan at the meeting.
