City Of Littleton 2020 Proposed Budget Shows Transportation Slump

LITTLETON, CO — The City of Littleton has released its 2020 Proposed Budget, which it has been working on since early summer. Departmental discussions were held in July and August and an all-day budget workshop was held with city council and staff on September 7.

The council considered 18 policy questions, which included funding for a major update of the city code, an Economic Strategic Plan and continuation of Envision Littleton efforts.

Other project considerations include:

• the addition of four new employees (Crime Lab Technician and three Utility Operators);
• an increase in employee compensation to keep up with the competitive Colorado labor market;
• funding for cyber security;
• disaster recovery, and risk management; and
• expansion of the police co-responder program to help people who need mental health and substance abuse services.

Funding of more than $1.4 million is proposed for extensive park investments:

• Writer’s Vista Park restroom and shelter replacement;
• Hamlet Park playground, shelter, basketball court and trail replacement; restroom remodel at the Carson Nature Center;
• design work for the Berry and Ida Park playgrounds;
• the Southbridge Park ball field, playground and shelter replacement; and
• major trail wayfinding signage.

The fiscally constrained 5-Year Capital Projects Fund shows little to no funding available for larger transportation investments, deferred fleet and information technology replacements, and little investment in public buildings. The city said this lack of funding "is not sustainable and will lead to much higher costs in future years as deferred maintenance will cause higher replacement costs."

City council is looking to identify opportunities for additional dedicated revenue sources for future infrastructure needs, officials said.

The city began implementation of the Priority Based Budgeting tool in 2018 and progress has been swift, officials said. Each department reviewed three of its programs to identify service levels and explore opportunities for cost recovery, partnerships, insourcing, outsourcing and efficiencies.

The goal is to reallocate existing resources to more closely align with city council priorities. These highlights were presented to city council on August 27 and are part of the budget discussion.

In 2020, all programs will be re-scored to determine their alignment with the Vision and the Comprehensive Plan, scheduled for a public hearing and consideration of adoption on October 15, officials said.

The final budget will be considered by council on October 1 for first reading, and October 15 for a public hearing and second reading. Citizens are invited to attend the public hearing to provide feedback to council. The Proposed 2020 Budget is available.