Council approves first reading of 2026 budget amendment including crime lab remodel and ADA sidewalks

The council approved first reading of the first amendment to the 2026 budget, a package of appropriations that staff said are largely funded by grants and federal forfeiture funds.

Erica Senna, budget and operations director (speaker 27), summarized six key appropriations: $120,000 in general‑fund authority to cover a full year of contracted behavioral‑health support for the police department (75% financed by a DOLA grant), $500,000 in governmental capital funds (covered by federal forfeiture) to purchase an armored rescue vehicle, $420,000 (congressionally directed spending) to redesign and expand the Thornton Police Department’s crime lab with enhanced technology, $65,000 (DOLA homelessness resolution grant) to support staffing for the homeless outreach team, $619,500 (Colorado Energy Office grant) for a zoning‑practices evaluation related to agricultural, open‑space and transportation demands, and $1,000,000 (earmarked federal funds) to continue ADA‑accessible sidewalks in the North Star neighborhood.

Council members asked clarifying questions about grant percentages and implementation timelines. Staff said most items are fully funded by grants or federal funds and that an additional building decarbonization item will be brought forward on April 14. The ordinance received majority support on first reading and will return for a second reading consistent with standard budget amendment procedure.