Greeley City Council Work Session: Board Reviews and Q3 Financial Update — Oct. 27, 2026

The Greeley City Council held a work session on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 6:00 to 6:33 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem presided, with six council members present and one excused. The session included councilmember reports, the 2026 triennial review of boards and commissions, and the 2026 third-quarter financial update. Because this was a work session, no formal action was taken; council members expressed consensus for staff direction.

Reports from Mayor and Councilmembers

• Councilmember Ryan Roth reported attending Clearview Library Board interviews, a High Plains Housing Authority community tour, and the Women's Place mural dedication.
• Councilmember Johnny Olson said he spent time walking in Ward 3 and that roughly nine out of ten community conversations were appreciative of the council's work.
• Councilmember Deb DeBoutez highlighted the Speak Up Greeley data center information and survey, and asked staff to consider a similar survey or listening session on Flock cameras and license plate readers, citing gaps in information. She also announced office hours on November 4 with Greeley Water Day.
• Councilmember Craig Huddleston reported attending the first annual Lulag Green Chili Cook Off and announced office hours for October 28 at Zoe's on 10th.
• The Mayor Pro Tem reported that Project Connect's wrap-up showed the city's numbers exceeded the county's, shared a story about a navigator assisting a person in crisis, and noted Councilmember Brian Rudy will serve as chair elect.

2026 Triennial Review of Boards and Commissions

• Deputy City Clerk Middleton explained that the Home Rule Charter requires council to review advisory groups every three years. The boards under review were the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Judicial Review Board, Human Relations Commission, and Museum Advisory Board.
• The Museum Advisory Board discussion was deferred to a later date to allow staff and the board to refine its work plan; reauthorization is still needed by the end of the year.
• Board details presented: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board has 10 members and averages 97% attendance; Judicial Review Board has 5 members and averages 75% attendance; Human Relations Commission has 12 members and averages 79% attendance.
• Judicial Review Board member Rashid answered questions about vacancies and attendance, noting the board needs a business leader and a licensed attorney, that staff is recruiting through CNE, and that proposed bylaws would address non-attendance but only council can remove members.
• Councilmembers discussed whether council liaisons should attend boards and commissions more regularly; staff said every board has a staff liaison, and councilmember attendance at least quarterly would be welcomed.

2026 Third Quarter Financial Update

• Finance staff reported that retail spending continues to increase, inflation is at 3.9%, Weld County unemployment is around 4.4%, and short-term interest rates are volatile and projected to increase by another quarter percent by the end of 2026.
• For the first eight months of 2026, sales tax collections grew at 3.9%, below the revised budget of 5.6%; food tax revenue was below prior-year actuals because of price increases and consumer behavior changes.
• The city holds $4.8 million in revenue stabilization funds and currently projects no general fund carryover for 2026. As of September 30, cash and investments totaled $426 million, compared with a $200 million adopted budget and a $360 million year-end forecast.
• Interest earnings reached $10.8 million and are projected to exceed the 2026 budget by $7 million.
• New construction revenues are estimated to exceed the 2026 budget by $9.6 million across the three main categories by year end. One-time oil and gas revenues are projected to exceed budget by $2.5 million, while severance taxes were considerably lower than projected and federal mineral lease taxes met budget.
• Across all city funds, resources are projected to be $13 million above the 2026 budget. The general fund is currently projected at a $0.2 million decline, with operational savings expected to make the number positive by year end.
• Grant expenditures for the first nine months of 2026 are estimated at $9 million, mostly federal. The city has 49 submitted grant applications and 84 active grant awards.
• In response to council questions, staff said roughly one-third of the sales tax growth is inflation-related and two-thirds is actual growth, and that future budgets use a 10-year historical average of about 5.5% annual sales and use tax growth. Council asked for a breakdown of federal and state funding risks; staff agreed to provide it. Councilmember Olson noted that certain federal pass-through transit funds have not decreased in about 20 years.

Scheduling and Adjournment

• City Manager McBroom announced no additional meetings or events. Council was reminded there will be no council meeting on November 3 because of the election. The meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.

Key Outcomes

• Council gave consensus to reauthorize the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Judicial Review Board, and Human Relations Commission for three years; the Museum Advisory Board was deferred to a later date.
• The accompanying ordinance is tentatively scheduled for first reading on November 17 and second reading and public hearing on December 1, subject to change because of the museum board deferral.
• Staff will provide additional detail on federal- and state-funded grant risks and will consider more regular councilmember attendance at boards and commissions.