Commissioners approve first reading of ordinance adding $40 million to capital fund for downtown parking garage

The Weld County Board of County Commissioners approved the first reading of Ordinance 262a on July 8, advancing a supplemental appropriation that includes a $40,000,000 transfer to the capital fund to accelerate the downtown parking garage project.

Jennifer, identified in the meeting as the lead budget manager, told the board the supplemental recognizes efficiencies and items that were not captured when the 2026 budget was adopted and allows the county to begin the parking garage work earlier than planned. “We are adding $40,000,000 to the capital fund for the downtown parking garage project that we weren't anticipating starting until 2027,” she said.

The supplemental appropriation also recognizes rolled‑forward purchase orders started in 2025, capital projects in the public works and fleet funds, and appropriations for extension fund revenues and expenditures to avoid frequent budget overrides. After staff comments the chair opened a public hearing; no members of the public spoke.

Commissioner Ross moved and Commissioner Peppler seconded approval of the first reading of Ordinance 262a; the motion carried on a unanimous voice vote of the five commissioners present. The ordinance proceeds to the required next steps for a second reading and final adoption under county procedure.

No specific final appropriation dates or timeline for construction were provided beyond the statement that the county is advancing the project schedule; further budget details and contract solicitations are expected in later meetings as the project proceeds.