XML 141 R27.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.8
Related Party Transactions
 12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related Party Transactions
19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Services

During fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, we retained the services of a related party, a company wholly owned by John Casella, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Douglas Casella, a member of our Board of Directors, as a contractor in developing or closing certain landfills owned by us. Total purchased services charged to operations or capitalized to landfills for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $7,816, $6,577 and $2,612, respectively, of which $890 and $1,189 were outstanding and included in either accounts payable or other current liabilities at April 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Leases

In fiscal year 1994, we entered into two leases for operating facilities with a partnership of which John Casella, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Douglas Casella, a member of our Board of Directors are the general partners. The leases have since been extended through April 2023 and according to the terms of the agreements called for monthly payments of approximately $27. Total expense charged to operations for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 under these agreements was $386, $286 and $300, respectively.

Landfill Post-closure

We have agreed to pay the cost of post-closure on a landfill owned by two of our major stockholders and members of the Board of Directors (one of whom is also an officer). We paid the cost of closing this landfill in 1992, and the post-closure maintenance obligations are expected to last until 2024. In fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, we paid $8, $8 and $8 respectively, pursuant to this agreement. As of April 30, 2014 and 2013, we have accrued $94 and $100, respectively, for costs associated with its post-closure obligations.

Employee Loan

In fiscal year 2014, we entered into an agreement with an employee to amend a promissory note, whereas the outstanding balance of $149, which had been included in Notes receivable – related party in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, shall be deemed paid in full in exchange for continued employment and the employee forgoing participation in the annual cash incentive plan and restricted stock program for a period of time specified in the amended note. Upon entering into the amended note, interest ceased accruing on the note and we recorded a charge of $149 in general and administration to reserve for the note.