Rio Rancho council approves write-off of long-uncollectible utility and ambulance bills

The Rio Rancho governing body voted to approve Resolution R32 to write off long-uncollectible accounts receivable, including ambulance billing and older utility accounts, in accordance with state statute.

Director Yara said the write-off is an annual accounting measure for accounts that are more than four years old after significant collection efforts. "Part of the requirement of the state statute is that I produce a statement of what these accounts receivables relate to and how our collection efforts have gone," she said, and referred councilors to a memo in the meeting packet.

Council members expressed frustration at the need to write off old balances. "I hate this and I despise it," Councilor Tyler said, explaining the write-offs reduce available revenues for city services (Councilor Tyler). Other councilors emphasized that approving the write-off does not prevent the city from accepting payments later; Yara confirmed the city will continue to receive money if it is paid but will not prioritize collection efforts for accounts that meet the write-off criteria.

After discussion, the council approved R32 by voice vote. The resolution clears specified long-delinquent accounts from the city’s books and allows staff to redirect collection resources toward current past-due accounts, while leaving account records in place in case of later recovery.