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Grand Junction adopts $359.1 million 2025 budget, adds staffing for public safety and capital projects
Summary
Council adopted the 2025 appropriation ordinance setting a $359.1 million all-funds budget, including $185 million in operating expenditures, $158.4 million in capital projects (notably $56.1M for the Community Recreation Center and $38.4M for wastewater work), 13 new positions and investments in public safety pay increases.
On Dec. 4 the Grand Junction City Council adopted the 2025 appropriation ordinance and related salary ordinances that together set the citys 2025 budget.
Interim City Manager Andrea Phillips and interim finance staff presented the budget as a package that aligns the fiscal year to the calendar year and reflects the citys comprehensive-plan priorities. The all-funds budget totals approximately $359.1 million, including $185 million for operating expenditures and $158.4 million for capital projects. Debt service is shown as roughly 4% of the total. The recommended staffing level is 880 full-time positions and the budget includes 13 new positions and targeted pay increases for police, fire and EMS.
Major capital allocations highlighted in the presentation include $56.1 million for continued construction of the Community Recreation Center (bulk of work in 2025, targeted opening in mid-2026), $38.4 million for Perego (Percego) wastewater treatment plant expansion and modernization, and $27.7 million held as a minimum general fund reserve. The presentation also noted ongoing investments in transportation projects, street maintenance, and utility infrastructure.
Council members asked questions about changes since the preliminary budget, ERP implementation to improve transparency and reporting, consultant expenditures and whether the budget process allowed sufficient council input. One council member voted against the ordinance, arguing the council did not engage meaningfully in shaping the budget; the rest defended staff expertise and the prior workshops that informed the package.
Council Member Stout moved, and Mayor Pro Tem Wright seconded, adoption of Ordinance No. 5240 appropriating funds for 2025; the ordinance passed on roll call 6 to 1 (Council Member Simpson voted No).
Staff said supplemental appropriations will be brought forward for specific projects that require later funding action (for example, Liberty Apartments and confluence center proposals noted during discussion).
