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Grand Junction budget recommends new police, fire positions, armored vehicle and communications upgrades
Summary
The recommended 2026 budget includes 13 net new public safety positions, funding for a new armored vehicle, an annex feasibility study for police facilities, major communications and radio upgrades, and a new community paramedic program in fire.
City officials at the Oct. 6 Grand Junction workshop said the recommended 2026 budget targets significant investments in public safety, including added sworn officers, new fire positions and upgrades to vehicles, radios and communications infrastructure.
City Manager Mike and department leaders framed the changes as responses to staffing constraints and equipment end-of-life issues identified by police and fire leadership.
Key police items
- Staffing: Police would receive five additional sworn officers in 2026, a hiring plan the chief said is intended to create a sustainable recruitment cadence. Chief Smith told council, “Our number should be about a 165 sworn. Right now, we’re at a 130,” and described a hiring plan that keeps the department competitive in the regional market.
- Tactical equipment: The police department recommended purchasing a new BearCat armored vehicle and paying for it with impact-fee revenue. Chief Smith said the county’s BearCat is nearly 17 years old and shared among agencies; adding another unit in Mesa…
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