Portales committee votes to send plan to council to restore scheduled trash-rate increases by July 1, 2026

The Portales Public Works Committee on Thursday voted to send a financial plan to city council aimed at restoring trash billing to the multi‑year schedule set out in Resolution 22‑23‑24, with staff targeting implementation by July 1, 2026.

Committee members were responding to staff presentations showing the city implemented only the first year of a five‑year, stepped rate plan adopted in 2022 and has since operated on the lower 2023 rates. The city manager told the committee the shortfall has forced deferred maintenance and use of strategic reserves, saying the utility operation currently "operate[s] upside down." The staff analysis sketched a catch‑up path that could require an immediate minimum increase of about 36 percent (roughly 36–40 percent when compounding is considered) to return trash charges to the intended schedule.

Why it matters: staff warned that continuing to underprice trash service limits the city’s ability to buy and maintain trucks and equipment and can hinder the city’s ability to meet grant matches for capital projects. The presentation said deferred purchases and maintenance have depleted reserves and are not sustainable.

Committee members discussed options to soften the impact for low‑income households, including phasing increases over two years and offering extended‑payment plans for residents who can’t absorb a large, single‑cycle jump. The city manager said a legal review and a fresh round of data validation are underway before the committee forwards a formal plan to council.

The motion — to bring a financial plan to council that restores trash billing in accordance with Resolution 22‑23‑24 by July 1, 2026 — was moved, seconded and carried on a roll‑call vote with affirmative votes recorded for Mr. Davis, Mr. Hillsman, Mr. Sanchez, Mr. Watkins and Mr. Willie (two members were absent). The committee directed staff to return with detailed numbers and proposed payment/assistance options for residents.

Next steps: staff will continue the data review, draft implementation options (including phased schedules and hardship accommodations), and present a package to the council for consideration with a target effective date of July 1, 2026.