Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper issued the first veto of his tenure today, rejecting the City Council’s decision to increase the salaries of city workers beyond what he budgeted for next year.
Council President Michael Hancock said he expected a successful override vote during a special meeting Friday afternoon.
In a three-page letter sent to council members late Thursday, Hickenlooper said their actions would undermine a new bonus pay program that provides performance incentives.
“There are two fundamental principles on which we base our decision,” he wrote. “First, a commitment to fiscal responsiblity and long-term planning; second, a commitment to our employees and a culture and environment that recognizes and rewards their performance.”
Assistant City Attorney David Broadwell, who acts as legal counsel to the City Council, said it was the first mayoral veto of a budget amendment since the City Charter was amended to give the mayor such veto power in 1982.
“While we share council’s desire to find more ways to reward the efforts and results of our city workforce, we fear that your amendment, while well-intentioned, will put additional budgetary pressure on the city in the near future requiriring even more difficult choices,” Hickenlooper said in the letter.
The council on Monday voted 9-4 to add an extra $2.6 million in merit pay for city workers beyond what Hickenlooper had proposed. The nine votes are enough to override a veto.
Christopher N. Osher: 303-954-1747 or cosher@denverpost.com
