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Boulder council adopts balanced 2024–25 budget, approves pay increases and new subdivision rules
Summary
At its Sept. 16 meeting, the Boulder City Council adopted the FY 2024–25 budget and three resolutions establishing employee raises and the certified mill levy, accepted revised subdivision regulations after a public hearing, and approved routine bill payments; a proposed geotechnical subcontract will be returned as a formal amendment next month.
The Boulder City Council on Sept. 16 adopted a balanced fiscal year 2024–25 budget, approved salary adjustments for city staff and the city administrator, and accepted updated subdivision regulations after a public hearing.
Mayor Russell Giulio called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and the council moved through routine business before addressing the evening’s principal items. Councilmembers approved minutes from four prior meetings and adopted the agenda after removing two items that lacked supporting easement documents.
The council adopted Resolution 2024-06 establishing wages and salaries for FY 2024–25. City Clerk/Treasurer Rosemary Perna told the council staff will receive a 3% across-the-board raise and City Administrator Brian Bullock will receive a 10% increase. "Staff is receiving an across-the-board 3% raise except for Bullock who will be receiving a 10% raise," Perna said. The resolution passed on a 3–0 vote with one member absent.
Council then adopted Resolution 2024-07, the City’s balanced budget for 2024–25. Mayor Giulio said he was satisfied the numbers were balanced for the coming year. The budget vote carried 3–0.
The council also adopted Resolution 2024-08, establishing the certified mill levy and any additional levies for the fiscal year. Perna provided a brief explanation of how mil levies are calculated for the public. Resident Ray Cordiero asked why mill amounts have continued to rise; Giulio responded that the calculations are regulated by the state, not the city. The mill-levy resolution passed 3–0.
On land-use policy, the council opened a public hearing at 6:41 p.m. on proposed revisions to the city’s Subdivision Regulations. Planning Board President LaDana Hintz summarized the principal changes: allowing administrative review for minor subdivisions, clarifying appeals for denied subdivisions, establishing how to handle new information submitted after a Planning Board hearing, and setting rules for phased subdivision reviews. Resident Annette Church said she "does not want any new subdivisions in the City of Boulder" and asked whether the changes would make subdivision approval easier. Hintz and Mayor Giulio replied that subdivisions would remain subject to a rigorous review process. After discussion, the council accepted the draft Subdivision Regulations as presented on a 3–0 vote.
The council discussed (but did not act on) a proposed amendment to Phase 2 of the city’s water project allowing Morrison-Maierle to subcontract geotechnical services to Pioneer Geotechnical for $25,100. City Engineer Elly Schmeltzer said the geotechnical work for a water tank had been an oversight by the engineering firm and that the cost might be absorbed by Morrison-Maierle or covered by grant funds or loans; she added she was hopeful the city could obtain state loan forgiveness. The council agreed to consider a formal amendment at the October meeting; no formal action was taken Sept. 16.
Jean Laumeyer, speaking for the Friends of the Library, asked whether the city could help maintain landscaping at the Boulder Community Library. Council members noted the 2005 lease names Jefferson County (the lessee) as responsible for maintenance but acknowledged the library’s importance and agreed the landscaping should be improved; no formal action was taken. Councilmembers also noted the Boulder Basin Senior Citizen’s Center recently reviewed a deed clause that would revert property to the city if the center dissolves; the council took no action but flagged the matter for additional documentation.
The council authorized payment of claims: checks #17811–#17849 totaling $221,777.46 and ACH payments #99682–#99688 totaling $18,331.10. With no further business, Mayor Giulio adjourned the meeting at 7:07 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
Votes at a glance: all formal motions and the three resolutions passed on recorded motions described in the minutes and carried by a 3–0 tally with one member (Drew Dawson) absent.
