Westminster adopts FY26 budget without a tax increase; council also appoints new city attorney

The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Westminster on May 11 adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget and approved a slate of administrative actions, including appointing a new city attorney.

The adopted ordinance (Ordinance 2025-05) funds staff pay increases, ongoing infrastructure work such as inflow and infiltration projects, downtown improvements and continued design and funding for Pure Water Westminster, the city’s planned water recycling facility. Mayor Dr. Mona Becker said the package ‘‘represents a great deal of fiscal responsibility’’ and emphasized that the city did not raise property taxes this year.

Council members and staff framed the budget as a balance of near-term needs and long-term projects. Finance Director Teresa Rogers and consultant Krista Gardner told the council that the document incorporated changes discussed in recent work sessions. Rogers noted the ordinance as the finalized version of earlier proposals and highlighted that several items were refined after those sessions.

Highlights and context: the adopted FY26 budget includes targeted staff raises and continued funding for Whitefield Valley work, downtown infrastructure and holiday lights, and preserves funding momentum for Pure Water Westminster. Mayor Becker said this marks the thirteenth consecutive year Westminster has not raised taxes. Council members thanked staff for the condensed schedule used to finalize the document after recent work sessions.

The council also heard an introduction to a budget amendment for the current fiscal year (Ordinance 2025-07) that would increase appropriations to cover previously approved expenses; the ordinance was introduced for future consideration and included a detailed funding breakdown from staff.

In separate new business, the council approved the mayor’s nomination of Ramsey N. Whitworth of Silverman Thompson to serve as Westminster city attorney. Council members also publicly thanked outgoing counsel for years of service.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 2025-05 (Adopt FY26 budget and set tax rates): motion introduced and seconded; vote: ayes have it — ordinance adopted. - Ordinance 2025-07 (FY25 budget amendment No. 1): introduced for consideration (motion/second recorded); further action to follow. - Appointment of city attorney (Ramsey N. Whitworth, Silverman Thompson): motion and second; vote: ayes have it — appointment approved.

What remains next: the introduced FY25 budget amendment will return for final consideration in a later meeting. Staff said audit and fiscal year-end close work will begin immediately following adoption.

Ending: Council members and the mayor encouraged residents to review the adopted budget materials posted on the city website and thanked staff for work on a compressed schedule that produced the final documents.