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Council adopts 2026 budget, keeps mill levy unchanged; directs use of reserves pending Mineral Place revenue
Summary
City Council adopted the 2026 annual budget, approved a 2‑mill general levy and a 3‑mill levy for the Littleton Downtown Development Authority. Council authorized temporary use of reserves pending sales‑tax receipts tied to Mineral Place development.
The Littleton City Council on Oct. 21 adopted the 2026 annual budget and set property tax levies for the coming year. The council passed the budget ordinance and two tax‑levy ordinances on second reading and by public hearing, each by a 6‑0 vote.
Council also approved a 2‑mill general property tax levy — the same rate as 2025 — and a 3‑mill levy for the Littleton Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The adopted budget includes a recommended temporary use of fund balance to smooth operations in 2026 while staff monitors sales‑tax revenue tied to the Mineral Place development.
The nut graf: Staff told council the city faces near‑term revenue uncertainty because sales tax flattened in recent years and Mineral Place is expected to generate an estimated $1.7 million of the $3.1 million projected sales‑tax growth for 2026. To preserve services and staff levels while the city verifies that new retail revenues materialize, the budget uses reserves as a bridge and keeps the mill levy at the current level.
Major figures and choices
Budget totals: The proposed budget (inclusive of interfund transfers) is $165.7 million. The general fund appropriation is about $66.1 million. The city budget funds 347 full‑time positions in 2026, including two new positions added in the proposed plan.
Revenue assumptions and reserves: General fund revenues are projected at about $61.3 million for 2026 — up $2.2 million (3.6%) from 2025. Staff attributed most of that change to Mineral Place, which is expected to begin contributing sales tax in April 2026. Because sales tax collections were slower in 2024, staff recommended a limited draw on fund balance to maintain service levels rather than immediate program cuts.
Capital plan and other notes: The 2026 capital improvement plan (CIP) adopted in the budget shows five‑year planned spending of roughly $180 million; only the first year is formally appropriated. The consolidated special revenue fund includes the new 4% marijuana tax revenue referenced in the presentation.
Public comment and council response
Pam Chadbourne, a resident who spoke during the public hearing, urged more scenario planning and thought the city should not be dependent on one development for revenue stability.
Ending: Council members thanked staff for the budget work and approved the three ordinances — budget appropriation and the two levies — by voice vote; each measure passed 6‑0.
