Glenwood Springs City Council gave the green light to the city’s 2025 budget on Nov. 7, capping off a five-month planning process that began in June. With City Manager Steve Boyd at the helm, guiding months of analysis and department-by-department assessments, council members reviewed the final proposal and voted unanimously to adopt it.

The approved 2025 budget projects $28.6 million in revenue, up from $27.6 million in 2024. However, as city costs continue to grow — from operations to public works — expenditures are expected to reach nearly $29.23 million next year, an increase from roughly $18.13 million five years ago. This rising expense trend is due to expanding services and higher costs, with the city’s fund balance set to dip by about $640,139 in 2025 to cover essential initiatives.

“To people looking tonight, this may seem like a cursory approval,” Councilor Sumner Shacter said at the Nov. 7 meeting. “This is not. This has been hashed over by council, by departments, by the Financial Advisory Board, and there’s a lot of work that’s gone into it. So this is just the culmination.”

Funding for the city’s programs and operations relies on multiple revenue streams. Taxes are the main driver, projected to bring in $15.46 million in 2025, with notable contributions from property and sales taxes. Intergovernmental funds, from sources like state and county grants, are anticipated to add another $1.4 million. Departmental transfers, including contributions from tourism and marijuana taxes, will bring in around $4.55 million, while fees from permits, licenses, and services add another $2.83 million to the city’s general fund.

“There is an incredible amount of work that goes into it,” Mayor Ingrid Wussow said. “So when we approve this, this is also us commending our staff who line by line in their own budgets make their assessments, recognize the needs, come to the city council meetings with us, explain what we need, or the community needs, and how we get there. There’s long term vision planning. It is a very comprehensive process, and we know how laborious it is.”

Department budgets reflect Glenwood Springs’ priorities for the coming year. The police department’s $5.55 million budget — the largest in the general fund — will support staffing, health benefits, training, and community outreach, underscoring the city’s commitment to public safety. The Community Center also sees an increased budget of $3 million to enhance recreational programming and staffing, while the Finance and IT departments prioritize technology upgrades and professional services, with allocations of $1.54 million and $1.51 million respectively.

The budget also earmarks funds for specific community needs, including reserves for affordable housing and mine expansion opposition. These dedicated reserves impact the available fund balance, which, after restrictions, stands at an estimated $10.3 million for 2025.

Employee retention and development are central to this year’s budget, with exactly $436,772 allocated to Human Resources, emphasizing staff support, training, and professional development across departments. The city has also set aside $1 million specifically for employee retention reserves, maintaining a strong commitment to attract and retain qualified personnel.

Investments in infrastructure and public works are also prioritized. The Streets and Alleys department is allocated $1.51 million to maintain and upgrade roadways, while the Parks and Cemetery budget stands at $1.2 million to support green spaces, trails, and recreational facilities.