The Denver City Council has decided to postpone a planned mountain retreat, originally scheduled for August 27-29, 2023, due to concerns over its nearly $27,000 cost amid significant layoffs of city employees. Council President Amanda Sandoval announced the postponement on Wednesday, emphasizing the need to focus on supporting the workforce during this challenging time.
The retreat, set to take place at Lone Rock Retreat near Bailey, was intended for ten council members and three staff members. The decision to halt the event follows scrutiny from local media, particularly after CBS News Colorado reported on the retreat’s cost shortly after the city announced the layoff of 171 employees due to budget constraints. Sandoval did not clarify whether any expenses incurred would be rescheduled for a future date or if the costs might increase.
The event was projected to cost $26,700, which included $16,500 for facility use, meals, and accommodations, an additional $2,600 for accessible transportation, and $7,600 allocated for a facilitator and assessment tool. These expenses were to be drawn from the council’s central budget, according to council spokesman Robert Austin.
Austin explained that the retreat was designed to facilitate a team-building workshop using the Insights Discovery Evaluator, aimed at improving communication and collaboration among council members. The contract for the retreat was signed on May 8, 2023, while council members were reportedly aware of the city’s financial difficulties at that time.
On May 22, Mayor Mike Johnston publicly announced the need for layoffs to address a projected $200 million budget shortfall for 2026. This announcement came shortly after the contract for the retreat was finalized. The layoffs, which included the elimination of 665 vacant positions and the reallocation of 92 positions to other funding sources, are expected to save the city approximately $100 million in 2026.
The council has yet to establish a new date for the retreat. As the city navigates its budget challenges, Sandoval’s focus remains on ensuring that the council prioritizes the needs of its constituents.
As the situation develops, city officials are also preparing a budget proposal for the upcoming year, which is expected to identify an additional $100 million in savings before the September 15 deadline.
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