There has been a lot of civic enthusiasm, and understandably so, over the Democratic National Convention coming to Denver.
But we’re glad to see the excitement tempered by realism about the security costs associated with such a vast event.
Denver City Council members are right to raise questions about whether the city has a contingency plan if security costs end up being higher than the $50 million the federal government has pledged to cover.
Katherine Archuleta, mayoral liaison to the convention, maintains that costs have been carefully estimated. And Mayor John Hickenlooper has promised that no local taxpayer funds will be spent.
It’s not that we don’t believe assurances from the mayor’s office, but security, by its very nature, is a flexible cost.
What if there are emergencies or violence well beyond the scope of what is expected? Denver needs to be prepared.
Of course, we expect law enforcement to respond appropriately to maintain public safety, regardless of whether such activity means breaking the budget. But it’s also prudent to have a backup plan for excess costs if the city goes over budget.
Council member Jeanne Faatz is concerned about the lack of a plan B. The issue came up this week as a City Council committee debated whether to forward to the full council a request for $1.85 million in upfront costs for liability and workers’ compensation insurance. These policies would cover law enforcement personnel during the Aug. 25-28 convention.
City administration officials met in executive session with council members to explain the overall security budget. Many emerged saying they felt comfortable with how costs had been estimated.
The administration claims the budget information is exempt from public disclosure laws for several reasons, including the fact it deals with security planning. That means taxpayers haven’t had the chance to see how their money may be spent.
We are left to take assurances from public officials that needs have been adequately estimated and funds have been appropriately apportioned.
Security in the post- 9/11 environment is a serious — and costly — business that must take into account scenarios that not long ago seemed far-fetched.
We don’t think it’s too much to ask that planning for financial disasters be included, as well.
We’re looking forward to a national event that will bring the eyes of the nation and the world to Denver for four days.
But the last thing we want after the party is to be left with a financial hangover and no plans on how to pick up the unpaid tab.
