Northglenn finance update: sales tax softening, residents press council on debt and transparency

Deputy City Manager Loveland presented the city's November 2025 financial update on Jan. 12 and said total general fund revenues through November were $32,100,000, down about 2.5% from the prior year. Loveland reported sales and use tax collections were down roughly 1.7% year over year through November and that more recent data showed November collections down over 3% compared with the prior year. Building-material use tax — tied to construction activity — was down about 50%, a decline Loveland said represents roughly a $500,000 impact to the fund.

Loveland highlighted other lines: property taxes were up a little over 3.5%, food tax was up about 4%, marijuana tax continued a double-digit decline, and charges for services had increased with participation fees at recreation facilities up about 11%. On the expenditure side, Loveland said spending was generally in line with the adopted budget and that timing of capital projects and debt service affects year-to-year comparisons.

During public comment, Tim Long (Ward 4) told council he had read the 300-page budget and the November revenue report and raised concerns that the adopted 2026 budget lists debt issuances of $16,000,000 and $23,000,000 without citations or explanation. Long said those entries appeared to balance a $16,000,000 deficiency and questioned whether the presentation adequately documents the types of debt, repayment sources and bond-rating implications. He called for clearer explanation and transparency.

Loveland responded during the staff presentation that timing differences, reserved funds and pay-as-you-go capital were factors and offered to meet with residents and provide further explanation; he also pointed to the city's open-government materials for detail. Councilmembers asked no further questions during the report. The session included routine discussion of water, wastewater and sanitation fund totals and operational rates.

The council's acceptance of the financial update did not change budget policy or authorize new debt; any future debt issuances would require formal council action and supporting documentation.