The Fruita City Council adopted the City of Fruita 2026 municipal budget of $28.2 million on Dec. 2 following a public hearing.

The plan includes $27.1 million in projected revenues and $28.2 million in expenditures, and it continues to maintain healthy reserves, the City of Fruita said in a news release.

According to the news release, the 2026 budget:

• Aligns with the Fruita Strategic Plan and invests in transportation safety, livability and core-service delivery.
• Increased funding for sidewalk repairs, traffic calming, overlays, bike lanes, striping and chip-seal work that will strengthen pedestrian and roadway safety.
• Supports engineering for two future bridges and continued enhancements to public art and alley improvements.
• Continues work on the 40-acre Fruita Launch redevelopment, a public/private partnership with 2Forks Venture that will transform the former sewer-lagoon property into a mixed-use development with open space, river access and commercial amenities.
• Funds strategic planning for economic development along with continued progress on workforce housing efforts, including the Oaks Development (62 units).

The news release said core-service delivery remains a priority with:

• A design to renovate Little Salt Wash Park.
• Improvements to Fruita Community Center.
• Replacement of downtown sewer lines.
• A redundant UV system at the Wastewater Reclamation Facility.

The Little Salt Wash design work will begin in early 2026 to refine plans for new parking, access, pickleball courts, a multi-purpose field, trails, pavilions and a community garden.

The budget also supports the administration of the April 7 municipal election, during which voters will choose a mayor and four city council members. Mail ballots will be sent in mid-March.