Budget panel delays sign-off on Englewood'area 2027 capital request list for further review

Jenny Nolan, Englewood's budget manager, told the Budget Advisory Committee that staff compiled roughly 10'11 non'discretionary and discretionary capital requests for 2027 and asked whether the committee agreed with staff recommendations or had additional projects to add. "This is due by due by June 10," Nolan said, noting a memo and last year's submission were available for reference.

Committee members pressed staff for details about major items. One member flagged a roughly $1.7 million investment listed for the Civic Center and asked whether the city planned to remain in the building long term; staff said the facility is aging and safety'critical systems are being prioritized. Staff also reported a total of about $32,000,000 in 2027 capital requests, with only a portion funded by dedicated revenue streams such as vehicle use and building material taxes and sought outside funding for some items.

Discussion turned to the status of the downtown parking garage. Staff said demolishing the garage had been considered but estimated demolition plus environmental remediation and hauling could be in the $2'$4 million range, making demolition an expensive option. Members also asked whether grant funds and other local pots could address South Broadway and transportation projects; staff said a previous $7 million grant funded many South Broadway streetscape elements and that other smaller strategies have proceeded with minimal dedicated funding.

After discussing the scope and financing uncertainties, an agency official moved to give members time to review the list and sign off at the next meeting; a committee member seconded the motion and members voted verbally in favor. The committee will revisit the CIP recommendations at its next meeting and may forward a memo to the city manager and council by the June 10 deadline if it chooses to do so.