Greeley City Council Meeting - September 1, 2026

The Greeley City Council met on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. The meeting included proclamations, extensive public comment on multiple city issues, and key decisions on a sales tax ballot measure, Civic Campus financing, and a new metropolitan district.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of August 4, 2026 (regular meeting) and August 11, 2026 (work session) by a 7-0 vote.
• Called a special meeting for September 8, 2026 to consider a pre-annexation agreement with GlobalAI Colorado, LLC.
• Called a special work session (budget retreat) for September 11, 2026.
• Adopted Resolution authorizing a contract with Infrastructure Strategies LLC for capital project execution advisory services.
• Introduced (first reading) an ordinance amending Title 12, Chapter 6 of the Municipal Code relating to Dynamic Breaking Devices.

Public Comments & Testimony

Approximately 40 citizens spoke in person and virtually, addressing the following topics:

• Flock cameras/ALPR systems: Multiple speakers expressed concerns about privacy and constitutional rights (e.g., Bobby Schilling, Spencer Milne, Frank Freeman) while others supported the system as a crime-fighting tool (e.g., Steve Black, David Adams, Diego Ruiz). Some noted that 93 jurisdictions dropped ALPR systems in August 2026 and that Route County Sheriff is canceling its contract after audits showed millions of searches.
• Proposed sales tax increase (ballot measure): Many speakers opposed the tax, citing distrust of council, the cost of living, and the controversial Catalyst/Cascadia project. Some mentioned last-minute agenda changes and demanded accountability. A few expressed conditional support if the council stepped down.
• Cuts to Culture, Parks, and Recreation (CPRD): Residents urged protection of natural areas and trails, noting that a statistically valid survey ranked them as the top priority. Speakers cited a staffing crisis (one staffer per 650 acres vs. recommended 300) and warned that proactive stewardship would be replaced by reactive, costly responses.
• Museums budget: Speakers highlighted that the museum budget has grown only 33% in seven years (roughly inflation) while CPRD administration grew 134%. A $332,000 cut to museums vs. $156,000 cut to admin was described as inequitable.
• Data centers / GlobalAI: Several speakers called for a moratorium on data center proposals, citing water and electricity consumption, environmental impact, and lack of transparency.
• Transit: Complaints about bus route changes and the elimination of a stop near Northridge High School (1.5-mile walk for students).
• Flight 629 Memorial: Presentation on the progress of a memorial for the 1955 United Airlines bombing; request for city support.
• Miscellaneous: Homelessness, the need for year-round shelter, and calls for council members to resign.

Discussion Items

15. Sales Tax Ballot Resolution City Manager Brian McBroom and City Attorney presented a resolution to place a 0.6% city sales and use tax increase on the November 3, 2026 ballot for 40 years (January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2067) to fund capital projects, including West Greeley (Catalyst), Civic Campus, and the Merge project. After debate, council voted 7-0 to remove the Merge project from the resolution. The amended ballot question then passed 5-2 (Councilmembers Huddleston and DeBoutez voting no). The tax would not apply to food; it would sunset when underlying bond obligations are paid.

16. Civic Campus Certificates of Participation (COPs) First reading of an ordinance authorizing up to $95 million in COPs for the downtown civic campus (new city hall and plaza), with a maximum lease payment of $163 million over 20 years. Estimated annual payments start at $8.4 million in 2032, with capitalized interest for the first two years. Staff recommended scheduling a public hearing and second reading for September 15, 2026. Councilmember Olson and Mayor Pro Tem McDonald expressed concerns about adding more debt without a clear funding solution. The motion to introduce passed 6-1 (Councilmember Olson voted no).

17. West Greeley Commons Metropolitan District Public hearing and resolution to approve a Title 32 special district service plan for a 36.2-acre commercial development (12 lots) at US 34/10th Street and 83rd Avenue. The district would issue up to $15.5 million in debt with a 70-mill levy cap to fund $12.14 million in public improvements (roads, water, sewer, stormwater, landscaping). The developer, represented by Robert Rogers, noted adherence to city's model service plan; the city is not liable for debt. The public hearing had one speaker (Steve Teats) asking about long-term tax impacts. Council approved both the service plan and the intergovernmental agreement by 7-0 votes.

Key Outcomes

• Sales Tax Ballot: Resolution amended to remove Merge; approved 5-2. The question will appear on the November 3, 2026 coordinated election: 0.6% sales and use tax increase for 40 years to fund West Greeley and Civic Campus projects, with proceeds also available for other capital needs such as deferred maintenance of parks, trails, museums, and recreational facilities.
• Civic Campus COPs: Introduced and scheduled for second reading on September 15, 2026 (passed 6-1).
• West Greeley Commons Metro District: Service plan and IGA approved unanimously (7-0). The district must now complete court formation and property owner election.
• Future Meetings: Special meeting on September 8 (GlobalAI pre-annexation) and work session on September 11 (budget retreat) were confirmed.