La Junta wastewater sludge line is 96% spent; $15,700 liability remains unexplained

La Junta’s wastewater fund had spent $240,930 on sludge disposal through July — 96% of the line’s $250,000 annual budget — while separately listing $15,700 in outstanding sludge-hauling liability, according to the city’s July wastewater financial report.

The report records $32,144 in sludge-disposal spending during July, leaving $9,070 unencumbered. The sludge-disposal line shows no encumbrance.

The $15,700 liability is listed separately from the sludge account’s spending and encumbrance figures. The report does not identify the hauler, invoices, service dates, quantities, rates or contract terms, so the records do not establish that the liability should be added to the $240,930 in spending.

The reviewed records also do not document a budget amendment, wastewater-rate change, transfer or additional appropriation for sludge disposal. The agenda packet for the Aug. 11 Board of Utilities meeting lists departmental reports and a board-vacancy item for action, but no sludge-finance item. The July meeting minutes contain no discussion or action on the liability, a related contract or additional funding.

The packet’s wastewater operations report says a dewatering press had been installed using sludge-related budget lines and that operator training was scheduled for Aug. 10. It does not establish whether the training occurred, whether the press changed hauling costs or needs, or whether it resolved the liability.

The records document budget exposure but not its cause or remedy. A later financial report or board discussion would need to identify the liability’s underlying invoices or contract and state whether the current budget is expected to cover remaining 2026 disposal costs.