Grand Junction city officials discussed a draft budget on Monday, Oct. 5, that would discontinue the Grand Junction City Calendar, close the Grand Junction Senior Recreation Center, and eliminate 13 employee positions. These proposed changes are part of an effort to balance the city’s $317.4 million budget, which is facing "structural deficits" as costs increase more rapidly than tax revenues.
City Manager Mike Bennett stated at the budget workshop meeting that these adjustments are necessary for the city's financial sustainability. He noted that city officials have identified a number of nonessential programs and positions for elimination.
One of the farthest-reaching proposed cuts is the end of the Grand Junction city calendar, starting in 2028. For over a decade, this calendar has been mailed to every household within city limits, serving as a notice for city meetings and showcasing local photography from an annual contest. However, due to its approximately $60,000 production cost, City Manager Bennett said officials could not justify its continued expense. He confirmed that a 2027 calendar would still be produced, as it is already underway and funded by the 2026 budget.
Another significant service facing closure is the Grand Junction Senior Center, an activity hub located on Ouray Avenue for residents over age 50. It currently offers pool tables, card games, puzzles, and bingo groups, operated by city employees and a local nonprofit. Under the draft budget, these activities would be relocated to the newer Community Recreation Center in Matchett Park.
Council Member Scott Beilfuss, who identified himself as a dues-paying member of the senior center, voiced strong opposition to the move, calling it "a real kick in the stomach." He highlighted the center's role as a "low-income safe haven for a lot of people that have no other places to go." Bennett explained that moving the senior center activities would have a "multipronged" budget effect, freeing up staff obligations and potentially allowing other departments to use the Ouray Avenue building for offices, replacing leased spaces. Some elected officials also suggested selling the building to cover one-time city expenses. Council Member Anna Stout acknowledged that pushback was likely but supported the move as fiscally responsible.
Additionally, the proposed budget would end a municipal program dedicated to protecting ash trees. City Manager Bennett said this recommendation came from the city parks department, which plans to seek replacement funding through grant applications.
In a major reduction of expenses, the budget proposal would eliminate 13 staff positions. Of these, three are currently filled, though Bennett stated that two of those employees have been offered similar roles elsewhere within the city. This change is expected to trim $2 million from the local government's expenses, covering both labor and benefits costs. The positions mentioned on Monday night included roles in the general services, city management, and community development departments.
Not all proposed changes involve discontinuing services entirely; some reflect reductions. City Manager Bennett's presentation suggested approving the closure of City Hall on Fridays for customer service counters, where residents currently handle tasks like paying parking tickets or inspecting public documents. While most staff would still work, Fridays are consistently the building's lowest-traffic day.
Operating times would also be slightly reduced at the Lincoln Park Pool and Dos Rios Splash Pad. Bennett indicated these changes would slightly reduce seasonal staff obligations, with fine details still being developed.
The draft budget also proposes shifting the delivery of certain housing-related services to community partner groups, such as the Grand Junction Housing Authority and Hilltop Community Resources. This move would allow the city to eliminate its housing manager position. Bennett mentioned programs like Neighbor to Neighbor and educational symposiums for landlords as examples of services that would shift. He clarified that this is not an elimination of service but a change in who provides it.
Other adjustments discussed included insurance plan changes, which are expected to save $2.8 million, and cost reallocations and operational reductions projected to free up an additional $3.1 million. A $2.3 million subsidy from the city's contingency funds would help cover first responder and public safety wages. Mayor Pro Tem Ben Van Dyke commented that in this challenging situation, "everybody's got to pitch in" across all departments to make it work.
