Wheat Ridge staff present $101 million 2026 proposed budget, stressing services and a $40 million infrastructure push

City staff presented the city of Wheat Ridge’s proposed 2026 budget to the City Council on Oct. 5, 2025, outlining a $101,000,000 all‑funds plan that keeps core services funded while directing nearly $40,000,000 to capital and voter‑approved bond projects.

The budget matters, staff told council, because it balances day‑to‑day operations against long‑term investments at a moment when general fund revenues are essentially flat and several one‑time federal supports are ending.

City staff said the general fund represents the largest share of spending — about 53% — while the voter‑approved 2J bond fund comprises roughly 27% of the proposed outlays. Staff projected 2026 general fund revenues at a little over $51 million and general fund expenditures at just over $53 million, producing a projected 17% unrestricted fund balance that staff said meets Government Finance Officers Association guidance.

Presenters identified three main drivers of an approximate 7% rise in general fund spending: $430,000 in fees tied to the city’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems transformation; $690,000 related to expanded photo‑radar and traffic enforcement programs; and rising employee health insurance premiums projected to increase by about…