Fruita staff present 2026 budget; council continues public hearing to Dec. 2

FRUITA — City staff delivered the final community-development and all-funds overview of Fruita’s proposed 2026 budget and the council unanimously agreed to continue the public hearing to Dec. 2 for final adoption.

Planning Director Henry Hemphill and City Manager Shannon Boston reviewed key items for the 2026 draft budget, including a noted increase in building-permit activity this year (nearly 1,600 permits issued, of which about 1,125 were roofs), approximately $432,000 in related revenues and an all-funds proposal that budgets roughly $27.8 million in expenses against about $26.8 million in revenues.

Boston said the draft anticipates drawing roughly $1.1 million from reserves to fund capital and one-time projects while keeping operating costs relatively flat. She also noted an ADU incentive grant award (about $75,000 in grant funds with a $25,000 local match) and recommended several one-time marketing and tourism expenditures.

During public comment and Q&A, residents and council members asked whether $300,000 (plus an added contingency) allocated for chip seal work would be sufficient, whether the sidewalk cost-share program should adjust from the current 80/20 split to a 90/10 model to increase participation, and whether the community pool will be resurfaced or re-tiled. Boston and staff responded that several line items are one‑time expenditures and that some estimates depend on contractor availability and grant outcomes.

A member of the public asked why the lodging-tax-backed marketing fund showed an increase; staff said most proposed marketing expenses are one-time draws on a robust fund balance and that council would be involved in decisions about billboard and silo advertising. Boston said the marketing increases are planned, one-time investments intended to spend down an accumulated fund balance responsibly.

After discussion and follow-up requests for more detail in the next draft, Councilor (unnamed) moved to continue the public hearing; the council voted 6-0 to carry the hearing to its Dec. 2, 2025 meeting so staff can update the draft and provide required summary documentation under the Government Finance Officers Association guidance.

Key quotes: City Manager Shannon Boston: “We have about $27.8 million in expenses and $26.8 million in revenues and we are projecting to use $1.1 million in reserves.” Resident/Testa Bynum: Asked whether the $300,000 for chip seal will be sufficient and whether the sidewalk program adjustments will broaden participation.

Ending: Council requested a revised draft with line-item clarifications for chip-seal, sidewalk and marketing expenditures and continued the public hearing until Dec. 2, 2025.