Lafayette introduces cautious 2026 budget; proposes 9% interim planning fee increase and targeted capital spending

City Manager Dolan and budget staff presented an introductory 2026 budget to the Lafayette City Council at an Aug. 26 workshop, describing a fiscally conservative plan that blends modest revenue growth with targeted spending on capital maintenance and a small set of staff and technology investments.

Dolan said the draft budget was “fiscally conservative given a lot of the uncertainties” and outlined a calendar leading to adoption: staff will deliver a budget book to council by Sept. 20, hold public hearings in October and return for first reading Oct. 14 and final adoption Oct. 28. Finance staff emphasized that the municipal charter requires the city manager to submit a balanced budget and the council to adopt it.

Revenue assumptions and fee proposals

Staff presented projections showing moderate revenue growth: sales and use tax is projected to grow roughly 2% in 2026 (staff noted King Soopers’ prior revenue‑sharing incentive reduced 2025 collections but returns to full share in 2026); property tax preliminary assessed values supplied by Boulder County indicated about 4% growth for 2025 preliminary values, which…