Citizens Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC) Regular Meeting – August 19, 2026

The Citizens Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC) met on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. at Golden City Hall (911 10th Street). The meeting covered updates from the Finance and IT departments, a bylaw discussion on virtual participation, city operations updates, and community conversations. The agenda and July 15 minutes were unanimously approved after one amendment.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Unanimously approved at 7:32 a.m.
• Approval of July 15, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes: Amended to reflect Saoirse Charis-Graves as present (she arrived late) and then approved at 7:34 a.m.

Discussion Items

CBAC Bylaw Discussion (Virtual Participation)

• Proposal: Member Kathy Smith raised the idea of allowing virtual (hybrid) participation to improve inclusivity and attract younger members.
• Positions: Several speakers expressed concerns: Jim Dale noted the committee has never needed real-time decisions and argued physical attendance works; Peter Luptovic warned that expanding participation could risk the committee’s informal ad‑hoc status; Dolly Kelly emphasized that changing bylaws is a “big deal” and not currently necessary. However, others (including Saoirse Charis‑Graves) supported exploring hybrid options, noting that other city commissions (e.g., Planning Commission) already use a hybrid model through Microsoft Teams at no extra cost. IT Director Jiles McCoy confirmed the technology is available.
• Outcome: A small subcommittee (Kathy Smith and Saoirse Charis‑Graves) will study the logistical and charter implications and report back at the September meeting.

Finance Department Update (Joe Allaire)

• Sales Tax (through May 2026): Year-to-date collections: $9.48 million, approximately $89,688 below seasonally adjusted budget (less than 1% variance). Compared to May 2025, May 2026 sales tax increased by $98,934 (+2.87% year‑to‑date vs. 2025). Strongest areas: North Golden, South Golden, and Coors Tech. General merchandise sales grew nearly 12%; manufacturing, business services, grocery, and accommodations declined.
• Use Tax: Year-to-date: $1.95 million, down 22.97% from the same period in 2025. May 2026 collections ($320,000) were among the lowest on record, but a $466,013 audit recovery from a local energy/utilities company (software use tax owed to Golden, previously paid to Minnesota) partially offset the decline. This recovery reflects the city’s ongoing audit program.
• Lodging Tax: Year-to-date: $881,000, approximately $62,993 below budget and $57,000 below the same period in 2025. The Finance Department is monitoring the summer season – historically the strongest – and investigating possible filing issues. No projected shortfall yet, but any persistent trend will inform the 2027‑2028 biennial budget.
• Marijuana Tax: Year-to-date: $280,525, exceeding the seasonally adjusted budget ($193,000) by $87,000, and up 16.9% from the same period in 2025. May represented the strongest monthly collection. Director Allaire recommended conservative revenue planning (leveling off) for the biennial budget.
• Audit Status: The 2025 audit’s first draft is expected imminently; no issues are anticipated. The delay is attributed to staffing turnover.
• Staffing & Support: The Finance Department is short‑handed but has filled three positions (two starting soon, one in October). To catch up on 2026 accounting and training, the city plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a firm (e.g., Clifton Larson, Baker Tilly) to assist with tying out 2026 accounts, training staff in the Tyler ERP system, and creating exception logs. Estimated cost: ~$100,000, funded from salary savings. Director Allaire also noted that the 2027‑2028 budget is 90‑95% complete; a draft will be presented to CBAC in September, followed by a proposed budget to City Council on October 12, 2026.

IT Department Update (Jiles McCoy)

• Budget Structure: IT operates as a shared‑service cost center using a “charge‑back” (IT lease) methodology. Costs for enterprise services (Microsoft, security tools) are allocated to departments based on the number of PCs. Line‑of‑business applications (Tyler, RecTrac) are centrally budgeted and charged back.
• Security & Patching: The city uses automated patching (weekly/daily as needed) with test environments to avoid disruptions. Security tools include firewalls, endpoint antivirus, and a Security Operations Center (Arctic Wolf) for log analysis and incident response. Phishing simulations are conducted regularly via “Know Before” training; staff click rates are low.
• New City Building: IT infrastructure costs have been budgeted within the project. Fiber connectivity for the new building (311) is being extended using previously allocated funds; existing equipment will be reused. The fiber network currently connects core facilities along 10th Street and Ford, with expansion underway to the shops (connection going live now) and future plans to connect Splash, golf course, and create a redundant loop (no timeline due to funding).
• Staffing & Tenure: Director McCoy has served 8–9 years, overseeing a stable, modern environment. Committee members expressed confidence in the department.

City Operations Update (Carly Lorentz, Deputy City Manager)

• Organizational Challenges: Acknowledged a “challenging few weeks” of leadership transition; focus is on budget and staff support. Employee morale and retention are top priorities; one resignation has occurred. Lorentz emphasized offering mental health resources and encouraging self‑care.
• New Building: Move‑in expected summer 2027 (approximately June). The relocation will occur over a weekend with movers and employee participation; costs are largely within the project budget.
• Creek Management: Increased trash problems and erosion have required police support in addition to code enforcement (Community Service Officers). The city is considering adding a dedicated police officer presence for the creek in future budgets.
• Police Chief: New Chief Michelle Wagner is performing well, navigating a recent officer‑involved shooting. The department’s victim services group is regional.
• Fire Department: Morale is low; deputy fire chief is managing operations. No timeline for hiring a new fire chief.
• Code Enforcement: Community Service Officers (grey uniforms, non‑POST‑certified) handle administrative tickets; police handle arrests. Their training differs from sworn officers.
• PR Efforts: The city is focusing on demonstrating its work; media hits from recent events have been challenging. Lakewood hired a new city manager.

Community Conversations

• E‑bikes: Members debated regulation of e‑bikes/e‑motos on trails. Some argued throttle‑equipped bikes should be restricted to roads; others noted class 1 pedal‑assist bikes are allowed on trails. The challenge is likely a statewide issue, with enforcement difficulties noted.
• Bears: Several bear sightings in neighborhoods; CPW has had to euthanize bears that become comfortable near residences. Residents were reminded to secure trash and use sprinklers to deter bears (hazing is illegal).
• Meeting Logistics: The November 4 meeting cannot be held in Council Chambers due to voting machines; alternative locations (Golden Community Center or Fire Department training room) are being considered.

Key Outcomes

• Bylaws: A subcommittee will study hybrid participation options for the September meeting; no formal change adopted.
• Finance: The Finance Department will issue an RFP for accounting support to tie out 2026 and train staff. The 2027‑2028 draft budget will be presented to CBAC in September for a macro‑level review.
• IT: The fiber expansion to the shops is now live; no funding yet for a full network loop. The department will continue its security and training programs.
• City Operations: The new police chief will present to CBAC in October. Staff support and retention remain key focuses.
• Community Conversations: No formal action taken on e‑bikes or bears; topics will be monitored.