Parker council approves first reading of 2026 budget; adds police posts, transit pilot

The Parker Town Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 1.667 on Nov. 3, advancing the town's proposed 2026 budget and scheduling a second reading and public hearing for Nov. 17.

Finance Director Chris Bianca presented the proposal, saying the town's total budget across all funds is about $173.2 million and that the general fund expenditures are projected at approximately $82.9 million. Bianca said the budget adds 11.5 full-time equivalent positions in the general fund (8.5 positions in police, two in public works and one in risk management) and retains investments in parks, cultural programs and capital projects. "We are very, very reliant on sales tax at 70%," Bianca said, calling for conservative revenue assumptions.

The proposal includes compensation changes the town described as phased: a 2% range adjustment effective Jan. 1, 2026, a 3% merit pool effective March 2026 and targeted police step increases that together can total about 8% for eligible sworn staff. The presentation also called out a $250,000 allocation for a two-year pilot of a "link on demand" transit service and increases in police overtime and equipment budgets. Bianca told the council the town plans to pay off a certificate of participation in 2027, which staff estimate could save the general fund $3 million to $4 million in interest expense.

Council members pressed staff on fund restrictions and reserves. Bianca explained that special revenue and excise-tax funds are legally restricted and cannot simply be moved to operations without council action, and defended maintaining roughly a 20% reserve in the general fund to shield the town from projected revenue declines as development slows.

The motion to approve the ordinance on first reading was moved and seconded and passed unanimously. The second reading and a second public hearing are scheduled for Nov. 17; the council will file the final budget with the state by Jan. 31, 2026.