The City of Grand Junction continued its 2027 budget discussions on Monday, October 26, as City Manager Mike Bennett, Chief Financial Officer Jay Valentine, and Engineering and Transportation Director Trent Prall presented the updated $318.8 million recommended budget to City Council, including a detailed review of proposed capital projects for the coming year.
The updated recommended budget reflects a $1.4 million increase from the initial $317.4 million presented on October 5, primarily due to previously planned expenditures shifting from 2026 to 2027 and adjustments to the Ridges Irrigation Fund. The recommended budget remains balanced following adjustments to address the City's structural deficit.
The proposed budget includes 12 positions dedicated to public safety. These include six police officers, three emergency communications specialists, and three administrative fire officers. The budget also includes $3.1 million in ongoing General Fund reductions to address rising operating costs and support long-term financial stability.
A significant portion of the workshop focused on the City's proposed $93.5 million capital program, which prioritizes infrastructure maintenance, improvements to existing systems, and transportation projects.
Some of the proposed investments include:
Roads and Transportation: Improvements to B ½ Road, 26 ½ Road, and North Avenue, along with approximately $3.5 million for street maintenance and a new traffic signal at 7th Street and Elm Avenue near Grand Junction High School and Colorado Mesa University.
Water and Sewer Infrastructure: Nearly $50 million in sewer capital projects, including Phase II of the Persigo Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion, sewer line replacements, and lift station improvements. An additional $8.2 million is proposed for water infrastructure, including Juniata Reservoir improvements and waterline replacements.
Trails and Connectivity: A proposed $3.7 million River Trail expansion along C ½ Road to address an existing gap in the trail network.
Council also reviewed proposed utility rate adjustments for 2027. Under the recommendation, a household using 3,000 gallons of water per month, with single-family sewer service and a 64-gallon trash cart, would see an estimated $9.74 increase in its combined monthly water, sewer, and trash bill. Most residential trash rates would remain unchanged, and curbside recycling would continue at no charge.
Council also spent time discussing funding requests from community organizations providing services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Several organizations received one-time funding in 2026, and Council discussed whether the City could continue providing financial support in 2027 given the current budget constraints.
The recommended budget was developed through a citywide review of departmental expenditures, service priorities, and long-term financial needs, with an emphasis on maintaining essential services while addressing the structural deficit.
City Council is scheduled to consider the recommended budget at its November 4 meeting, followed by a second reading and public hearing on November 18, when Council is scheduled to consider adoption.
Residents can review the full budget presentation and supporting documents on the City’s website beginning the following day.