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Grand Junction introduces $316.4 million 2026 budget; council sets Nov. 19 hearing
Summary
City Manager Mike Bennett presented a $316.4 million recommended budget that preserves core services, adds public safety hires and capital investments, and uses limited one‑time reserves for housing and unhoused services; council approved first reading and set a Nov. 19 public hearing, adding $30,000 to restore arts grants.
City Manager Mike Bennett presented the City of Grand Junction’s recommended $316.4 million 2026 budget on Nov. 5, saying the plan balances a long‑term perspective with immediate investments. “The total budget is $316,400,000 for the 2026 recommended budget,” Bennett said in the presentation to council.
Bennett said the recommended budget trims total spending from 2025 largely because two large capital projects — the Community Recreation Center and wastewater treatment improvements — are moving out of peak construction. He described a strategy that blends operational reductions and targeted investments: 29 new positions are proposed, including 13 in public safety and five new police officers. Bennett said the city is budgeting to fully staff 132 officers in 2026 and aims to add roughly five officers per year toward a longer‑term target.
The plan includes $32.1 million in capital projects ranging from street and transit corridor work to parks, utilities and sewer replacement, and proposes modest rate increases for water and sewer. Bennett said the general fund balance is estimated to end 2026 at about $46.7 million, with roughly $29.3 million maintained as the city’s 25% reserve policy.
On housing and services for people experiencing homelessness, Bennett told council staff had allocated one‑time general fund reserves. He said the council previously directed the use of $668,443 in fund balance to support attainable housing incentives and services for the unhoused, and noted ongoing discussions with service providers after Homeward Bound announced plans to curtail shelter operations.
Council conducted the first reading of the appropriation ordinance and, on a motion to introduce the ordinance and set a second public hearing for Nov. 19, 2025, approved the measure on first reading by acclamation 6–0. The motion included an amendment to add $30,000 to the Commission on Arts & Culture grant program to restore that line to $70,000; staff said the additional appropriation will be covered by one‑time funds or fund balance and will be clarified at second reading.
Bennett urged residents to review online budget materials for department line items and capital project summaries and said staff will bring details about the funding source for the arts addition at the Nov. 19 hearing. The council will take public testimony at the second hearing before final adoption.
