"We'll have to look at the reduction or elimination of programs. We'll have to look at the consolidation of departments, and, yes, we will have to look at layoffs," Johnston said at a May 22 announcement. "We do not envision a scenario where it is possible to right-size this budget without that impact on personnel."
Johnston blamed the looming budget deficit on an increase in city employees, services and contracts despite flattening revenues. A "collapse in consumer spending" has led to "near-zero" revenue growth for the city during the past three years, he added, noting that revenue for the 2024-2025 fiscal year has come up $50 million short of projections.
In their comments on the Westword Facebook page of the news, readers have plenty of suggestions for how the city has come up short. Says Peter:
When you vote on emotion and not logic, you become Denver.Adds Robert:
Disaster policies. People have been asking for an increase in public safety and to stop spending on drug zombies and have all city and state workers return to the office so they can start supporting local businesses and eating downtown. Instead, we have a drug zombie city, overspent budgets and public safety has never increased. This is absolutely shameful and should have never happened.Notes J Michael:
Welcome to the last four years' economy.Offers Steven:
Precisely what happens when you run out of 'other people's money'.....Responds Andrew:
We are all here to reap what they've sowed.Snarks Jared:
Democrats are the best at managing their cities.Counters Alan:
That is very true. When you consider Democratic-run cities typically have a higher GDP than Republican-run cities.Also, Republican-run cities oftentimes have some of the lowest labor wages in the country. That's why most large cities are Democrat. 'Cuz not everybody aspires to be a rube.Offers Michael:
I suppose the cuts will also mean the potholes won't get fixed. This is how we get to Bladerunner.Suggests Jeff:
We could sell that much weed in a couple months. Come on guys, we can do it!Responds Matt:
If it were any good…Concludes Ron:
How about an itemized line expenditure of everything they spent? What a waste of an article.Not to worry: We'll continue to cover the city's budget crisis. Any specific programs you'd like to see us look into? Any areas that call out for investigation? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].
