Grand Junction city officials held their initial budget workshop for the upcoming 2027 fiscal year this week, tackling difficult decisions aimed at resolving a structural deficit that has been expanding in the city's budget since 2021.
City Manager Mike Bennett explained that a structural deficit occurs when spending consistently outpaces tax revenues. Bennett stated that expenses have increased by 53% since 2021, while revenues have grown by only 30% during the same period. He noted that the city currently maintains a healthy fund balance, but emphasized the need to reduce operating costs.
Among the proposals discussed during the workshop to curb the deficit were adjustments to the operating hours for the Lincoln Park Pool and changes to staff coverage at the Dos Rios Splash Pad. Other suggestions included closing City Hall on Fridays and potentially closing the city's Senior Center.
The idea of closing the Senior Center drew concerns from council member Scott Beilfuss. He highlighted the facility's recent renovations and its role in serving many seniors on low and fixed incomes. However, Bennett indicated that the Senior Center's operations could transition to the new Grand Junction Community Recreation Center, which opened its doors last week. Bennett explained that the recommended 2027 budget includes "shifting the Senior Center to the Community Recreation Center" with the new facility's recent opening. He added that the Community Recreation Center has already proven popular with senior residents, with approximately 1,700 individuals signing up for its free Silver Sneakers Program in its first week.
The city is also considering a reduction in funding for its tourism marketing department, which operates Visit Grand Junction. The plan involves redirecting those funds toward creating additional lodging opportunities within the community. Bennett suggested that this strategy could boost lodging-tax revenue, which ultimately supports the tourism marketing department. He reported hotel occupancy rates near 80% on weekends and in the 70s on other days, indicating that at 80%, nearly all highly sought-after visitor rooms are booked. Bennett emphasized that the focus is on being more strategic with existing marketing funds and increasing hotel rooms to boost lodging tax revenue, which in turn benefits marketing efforts.
Despite the proposed cuts, the budget also includes funding for new public safety positions. These include six police officers, three 911 communication center employees, and three battalion chiefs for the Grand Junction Fire Department. Bennett specified that five of the new police officer positions align with the city’s annual goal to add five officers. Additionally, Colorado Mesa University will cover 80% of the cost for one new officer dedicated to campus public safety.
The city will continue to develop the proposed budget in the coming weeks. Final approval is anticipated on Nov. 18. The next budget workshop is scheduled for Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. and will take place in the fire training room at the Grand Junction Fire Department.
