Fix the Budget Gap

The City appointed a Structural Financial Task Force to explore various options to eliminate the budget imbalance. The Task Force issued 29 recommendations in January, saying that to maintain quality services and create a sustainable Denver, we must permanently eliminate the budget gap. Mayor Hancock studied the recommendations and is seeking your input to help deliver Denver’s future for generations to come. Using the interactive tool below, provide Mayor Hancock with your preferred combination of cost-saving and revenue enhancing measures to balance the budget and close the gap. Watch the impact your choices have on Denver’s budget in the red tab on the right side of the screen. Click on the “Learn More” tab to understand what those in favor and those opposed are saying about each option. After you have selected a solution or a combination of solutions that reflect your preferences and values, click submit.

The city and employees are currently required to contribute 16.5% toward pensions for non-uniform employees. The city contributes 10.25% and employees contribute 6.25%. Learn More

This action would reduce the number of health care options to employees. Currently, the City provides medical benefits to more than 10,000 employees and families through plans offered by 3 health care vendors. Learn More

This action would increase City employees’ average contribution of their monthly health care premium. Currently, employees’ contribution is at 20%. Learn More

Create a Self-Funded Health Insurance Program for City Employees

This action would create an arrangement where the City would provide health or disability benefits to employees with its own funds. In self-funded health care, the employer assumes the direct risk for payment of the claims for benefits.Learn More

This action would make the City’s temporary “de-Brucing” policy permanent and extend it to property taxes. In 2005, Denver voters removed TABOR revenue limits until 2014, except for property taxes. 

What is TABOR?
Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Voters approved it more than 20 years ago and it limits the amount of revenue government agencies in Colorado can keep. Learn More

This action would stop returning TABOR surpluses, as well as make the City’s temporary “de-Brucing” policy permanent and extend it to property taxes.

One mill is 1/1,000th of a dollar or 1/10th of a penny. Learn More

This action would dedicate City revenues to our libraries or parks and recreation centers. It could include creating a new special district for one of these services, allowing that service to operate independently from the City. Currently, these services are paid for through the General Fund and run by the City and County of Denver. Learn More

This action would charge single-family homes a fee for either trash collection or a combination of trash pick-up services including recycling and composting. Currently, apartment buildings and commercial properties are charged for these services.Learn More

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