South Durango Sanitation District

The Board discussed a request from a hotel developer to pay the PIF at a 2025 rate, which was subsequently rejected due to a lack of prior communication and valid justification for waiving current fee schedules. Financial activities included the review of accounts payable, financial statements, and an investment report, with a decision to maintain funds in the COLOTRUST account. The Board tabled a discussion regarding comp time and received operations reports, including staff changes. Project updates included an update on the EPA discharge permit application, anti-degradation analysis, and the design process for a new treatment plant, including a potential shift to the CMAR process. Finally, the Board adopted Resolution No. 2026-2, which established new inspection fees for development projects.

The Board reviewed and approved accounts payable and discussed financial statements, including investment report updates regarding declining interest rates and upcoming CD maturities. Operational reports included a request for employee bonuses due to tax withholding issues, which was approved, and discussions on accounting service proposals for the future via an RFP process. Further updates covered repairs at the River Oaks lift station, cleaning and dewatering operations, and the approval of a service truck purchase. Finally, the Board approved Resolution No. 2026-2 to adopt new inspection fees for development projects.

The Board reviewed financial statements and the investment report, noting declining interest rates. Operations updates included a proposal for collection system repairs, approval of an EPA discharge permit, and status reports on infrastructure improvements such as waste line repairs and the installation of a new aspirator pump. The Board also addressed personnel matters, including the approval of a wage increase for an employee who received a new certification and discussions regarding District manager training and the reduction of accrued comp time. Additionally, the Board approved a Letter of Financial Responsibility for a sewer line extension project associated with a new elementary school.

The Board meeting covered several key items. Following the approval of previous minutes, the Board reviewed and approved accounts payable. The investment report indicated total District investments in the Capital Fund were slightly over 4%. Employee compensation for 2026 was reviewed, resulting in approved raises for certain staff based on performance, new certifications, and skills, along with approved Christmas bonuses for all employees. A budget hearing was held where Resolution No. 2025-3, Adopting the 2026 Budget, and Resolution No. 2025-4, Appropriating Funds for the 2026 Budget, were approved, noting that increased operating revenue from user fees would offset higher operating expenses. The Board also approved a new contract for billing services with Stephanie Strain, which included an increased base fee. The independent contract with Dave Marsa dba Southwest Wastewater Services was approved, with collection system services shifting to Andrew Aragon as the District Collection System Operator, and Dave Marsa providing training. Resolution No. 2025-5, Certification of Delinquent Account, allowing the County Treasurer to add balances to property tax bills, was approved. Finally, Resolution No. 2025-3 was approved, increasing plant investment fees (tap fees) to $17,000 and user fees to $70 effective January 1, 2026, to increase reserves for the new plant financing and cover operating costs. The operations report noted planned line cleaning for 2026 and continuing collection system repairs by Canyon Construction.

The Board of Directors addressed the appointment of a new director to fill a vacancy after the candidate provided an overview of his background. Key discussions included the approval of accounts payable and a review of the financial statements for December 31, 2025, noting that total operating expenditures were 102% of the budget, while tap fee and interest income exceeded projections, resulting in reserves over $5,700,000. The investment report indicated declining interest rates on the money market account. An operations report noted no significant issues, and a detailed update was provided on the design of the Phase 3 expansion project.