Thornton City Council Planning Session - September 1, 2026

The Thornton City Council held a planning session on September 1, 2026, focusing extensively on the 2027 budget proposal and related financial planning. Key procurement-related discussions included capital improvement projects such as $2.9 million allocated for the South Washington corridor revitalization and $819,000 for remediation at the Thornton Shopping Center, with total project costs detailed. The council also reviewed funding for traffic safety improvements, trail expansions, and technology upgrades including new RMS, CAD, and sales tax software systems. Significant attention was given to personnel costs, with detailed presentations on employee compensation adjustments, including a proposed 1% COLA and a $1,500 one-time lump sum merit payment, as well as health insurance premium increases of up to 18.3% for some plans. The council debated the necessity and timing of utility rate and fees and charges studies, with concerns raised about the frequency and cost of such studies. Additionally, the council discussed a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data center applications over 50,000 square feet, aiming to develop regulations addressing community concerns such as water usage, noise, and local control. Public engagement strategies for the moratorium and ordinance development were also considered, with a preference expressed for utilizing internal resources over costly consultants. The session concluded with updates on board and committee activities and future agenda items.