Monument Town Council, Sept. 2 and 15 – Growing budget deficit; Town lays off five people

Revenue projections
Expenditure overview
Public input

By Marlene Brown

On Sept. 2, the Monument Town Council had its regular meeting for nine minutes and then adjourned the meeting and began the post-study session to discuss the proposed preliminary budget for 2026. Jennifer Phillips, finance manager since July 2024, presented the 2026 preliminary budget. It highlights anticipated revenues, planned expenditures, and shows a loss in the next two years and beyond should the town continue the financial road they are on right now.

Where should they cut back to reduce the deficit growing every day? The town laid off five employees because of the budget shortfall, and one retired rather than be let go.. Those laid off were Civil Engineering Inspector Tom Martinez, who’d been with the town more than a decade, Deputy Town Clerk Sylvia Simpson, Support Services Administrative Assistant Jennifer Holmes, Park Tech Kellyn Bryan and Public Works Administrative Assistant Jenny Pena-Garzon. Facilities Superintendent Ron Rathburn elected to retire after 40 years rather than being laid off. With the layoffs of Simpson and Holmes, only Mirielle Bock is left manning the front desk at the Town Hall. That means when Bock takes a lunch, the office is closed for an hour.

Revenue projections

The preliminary budget projects total revenues for the fiscal year based on a combination of property taxes, sales taxes, state and federal grants, service fees, and other revenues. Notable factors influencing revenue estimates:

Sales tax collections are down due to people not spending as much.
State or federal funding/grants for infrastructure and community projects.
Revisions in service fees to be passed on to customers.

Expenditure overview

Some major expenditure categories that wouldn’t be reduced or increased at this time, prioritizing essential services:

Public Safety: Continued funding for police, fire, and emergency services, with potential increases for staffing and equipment upgrades. (Would not fill three vacancies in the Police Department, which is actively searching for candidates.)
Public Works and Infrastructure: Allocation for road maintenance, water and sewer systems, and capital improvements. (Would not build new maintenance building at this time.)
General Government: Technology upgrades and compliance with regulatory requirements.
State funding for Jackson Parkway has been reduced, and the town does not have the dollars to complete the project.

Some major expenditures that are being looked at to reduce monthly and yearly outflow of cash:

Membership fees to intergovernmental associations
Training and travel
Executive leadership salaries
Employee wellness programs, such as gym membership and other benefits
Eliminate Christmas lights

The budget process considers several challenges, including uncertainties in economic conditions that could affect the outcome, including costs for personnel, materials, and services, and balancing competing demands for limited resources across departments.

Public input

The Town Council will meet with the Citizens Advisory Committee following the release of the preliminary budget on Sept. 2 and continue the discussion of financial management and strategic planning. It aims to balance fiscal discipline with community needs, ensuring sustainable growth and continued service excellence in the coming fiscal year, Phillips said. There would be major cutbacks and continued reduction of expenditures. The Town of Monument will invite public input, conduct hearings, and work to refine and finalize the budget before adoption later this year.

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The Town Council usually meets on the first and third Monday of the month at the Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road, at 6:30 p.m. See townofmonument.org or contact 719-481-2894

Marlene Brown can be reached at marlenebrown@ocn.me.

Revenue projections

Expenditure overview

Public input

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