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Greeley introduces 2026 budget with $21 million gap closed by one‑time transfers and savings; council hears concerns about public safety funding
Summary
City staff introduced the 2026 budget for first reading and public hearing, outlining a roughly $21 million gap closed with carryover, $3M in departmental savings and a $7M capital fund transfer; councilors pressed for trend data, vacancy and CIP clarity and discussed homelessness and firefighter staffing requests.
City staff presented the proposed 2026 budget in a public hearing and first reading, telling Greeley City Council the recommended plan closes an approximately $21 million shortfall using unspent 2024 carryover, about $3 million in departmental savings and a $7 million transfer from the capital fund.
Budget Director Nathan Mosley said the recommended revenues across all funds total roughly $483.5 million and appropriations total about $507.4 million, with the largest shares supporting utility enterprises and general city operations. The proposed budget includes program capital of just over $65 million and proposes extending 54 term-limited positions to maintain service continuity. Mosley told the council staff did not plan to use the city’s revenue stabilization funds to balance the 2026 budget.
Council members pressed staff for additional context and clarity. Councilor Olsen asked for better breakout and trend data on supplies and services and for improved consolidation and KPIs across the CIP. Councilor McDonald urged the council to find funding for at least three firefighters (cited cost: $557,241.36) to meet a minimum staffing relief level for 2026 and to staff a new rescue truck. Councilor Debuty and others asked how homeless services were funded; Mosley said the city’s share of homeless shelter costs in 2026 would be about $1.2 million (roughly 70% of a $1.8 million annual cost), with remaining funds from grants including Weld Trust and Department of Local Affairs contributions.
The Citizen Budget Advisory Committee, represented by chair Barry Eastman, told council it recommended no changes to the 2026 budget but urged council to prioritize solving structural deficits in 2027 and urged maximizing efficiency rather than adding new taxes.
After public comment in support of homeless services, council voted 6–0 to introduce the ordinance and schedule the public hearing and second reading for Oct. 21, 2025. Staff said they will return with more detail and any requested clarifications ahead of adoption.
