Putting more police on the street and getting homeless people off it are the top priorities that will emerge when Mayor John Hickenlooper unveils his 2006 budget today, administration sources said.
While no employee layoffs are expected, across-the-board cuts are included and could affect some services. In order to balance the budget as mandated by city charter, the city was forced to dip into its reserves.
Although the exact budget was not disclosed, it is expected to be close to last year’s budget of $748 million.
“Since taking office, we have based our budgets on conservative, realistic revenue forecasts, and this budget will be no different,” said spokeswoman Lindy Eichenbaum Lent, who declined to disclose any budget specifics. “While we are cautiously optimistic that there will be moderate growth next year, it will be slow and gradual, so the belt-tightening continues.”
About three-quarters of the city’s money comes from tax revenues. Fees generate the rest.
The City Council and departments will hold a series of hearings on the Hickenlooper proposal over the next few weeks. The council must approve a final budget by Nov. 14. It can make changes to the mayor’s plan, but he has veto power. Nine votes from the 13-member council are needed to override a veto.
This is the second year in a row that public safety has emerged as the administration’s top budget priority. The Denver Police Department, which has been under its 1,405-officer authorized strength for years, had its budget increased 8 percent last year. That allowed the hiring of 169 new officers.
At least another 135 new officers will be trained in 2006 at a cost of about $2.5 million, according to the budget. However, after retirements, the net gain would be only about 20 officers, putting the city’s overall number slightly over the recommended level.
The budget proposal also includes additional costs, such as Hickenlooper’s 10-year, $122 million plan to end homelessness. The first year could require up to $10 million, including federal dollars and private donations.
“I don’t know how much the mayor is willing to put towards funding it but I would hope it would be significant,” said City Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth.
The mayor’s budget also includes funding for the implementation of the “311” customer service hotline for non-emergencies and money for the city’s new policy of giving employees raises for good performance.
And the city’s 10-year commitment to paving alleys would continue into its second year, at about $2 million.
Last year’s budget passed the council with no political wrangling and only one amendment that transferred money for police overtime.
The same is expected this year, even though the City Council has set a number of budget priorities, such as an increase in resources for public safety, early-education initiatives and improving neighborhood services.
“Whether it’s an actual dollar amount or the programs’ goals that we consider, priorities will be discussed,” said City Councilwoman Rosemary Rodriguez.
Staff writer Karen Crummy can be reached at 303- 820-1594 or kcrummy@denverpost.com.
