Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Grand Junction council adopts $316.4 million 2026 budget, earmarks housing and unhoused services
Summary
The City Council on Nov. 19 approved the 2026 appropriation ordinance for a $316.4 million budget, including $698,443 from reserves for housing incentives and $450,000 for unhoused services split among local providers; council voted 6-0 to adopt the ordinance.
The Grand Junction City Council adopted its 2026 appropriation ordinance on Nov. 19, approving a $316.4 million budget that the city manager said prioritizes infrastructure, public safety and housing incentives.
City Manager Mike Bennett outlined the recommended budget during the second reading and public hearing, noting the city's total package includes capital and operating funds and that the city's recent bond sales priced more favorably than estimates. "The bonds ultimately priced more favorably at 4.42%" for general fund revenue bonds and the COPs "came out, slightly lower at 4.01%," Bennett said.
The council incorporated several updates since earlier hearings, including a council-directed use of general-fund reserves of $698,443 to support attainable-housing incentives and a $450,000 allocation for unhoused services distributed among Hilltop, United Way, the Joseph Center and Catholic Outreach, Bennett said. He also noted a $30,000 addition for the arts and culture commission, bringing that line closer to the restored $70,000 in grants mentioned by public commenters.
During the public hearing, Judy Dierud, who described herself as elderly, urged the council to increase arts funding to ensure daytime programming and matinees are available; Portia Silverberg of the Commission on Arts and Culture highlighted the sector's economic contribution and thanked council for restoring grants to $70,000. "While 70,000 is less than one-tenth of one percent of the city's 316,000,000 budget, it plays a meaningful role," Silverberg said.
Council member Van Dyke moved to adopt the appropriation ordinance; Council member Stout seconded. The clerk recorded aye votes from Council members Lutz, Stout, Van Dyke, Ballard, Bialfuss and Mayor Kennedy. The motion passed 6-0.
Bennett emphasized the budget is intended to implement the council's strategic plan (2025'27) and to maintain long-term fiscal balance. He said the general fund balance stands at approximately $46.7 million, with $29.3 million in minimum reserves and $1 million in internal loans, leaving roughly $16.4 million available for future needs and one-time initiatives.
The council said it will continue workshop-level oversight of major initiatives and maintain coordination with nonprofit partners on homelessness and services funded in the adopted budget.
