The City of Grand Junction City Council has approved a 2024 budget of $322.5 million that includes spending for operational costs, infrastructure and new projects.

The 2024 budget includes $172.2 million in operations costs and $8.8 million in debt service. The majority of the operations costs are within the five largest departments of the city — the fire and police departments as well as general services, parks and recreation and utilities.

A capital budget is $141.5 million will support several projects, including a third new fire station funded by the first responder tax, the first year of construction for a new community recreation center, a destination skate park at Emerson Park, expansion of the Persigo wastewater treatment plant and several transportation expansion projects.

Another $6.5 million was budgeted for housing initiatives, including the operating costs of the Homeward Bound resource center scheduled to open on Dec. 20 to offer services during the day for the unhoused and other vulnerable individuals. The council also approved $984,083 for non-profit support for 2024.

The council provided direction to city staff for the budget through the development of a strategic plan in 2023 that identified outcomes for the next two years. The strategic plan is based in turn on a 2020 comprehensive plan created with public involvement.

The strategic outcomes outlined in the plan by city council included: placemaking; thriving and vibrant; welcoming, livable and engaging; safe and healthy; and resource stewardship.

Adoption of the budget concludes an eight-month process that begins in May. City staff prepare the annual budget while gathering input from the community. Budget meetings are open to the public and held both virtually and in-person.