Denver Mayor Mike Johnston unveils his first budget for the city since taking office in July in the Denver City and County Building’s library room on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. Johnston has responded by accepting $10.6 million in spending additions — just an eighth of the more than $81 million the body asked for to meet its 2024 priorities in a significant increase from past years. He granted several requests only partially.
Last year, the council asked outgoing Mayor Michael Hancock for $17.5 million in changes to his proposed budget. The substantial increase in this year’s requests, by a factor of more than four, did not escape Johnston’s attention in his response.“Although the size of these proposed funding changes is a significant departure from past practice, we appreciate the passion of your advocacy and we have worked hard to expand investments in some of your most important priorities,” Johnston wrote.
But that total had included a $30.8 million contribution for uncompensated care, which is provided to people who are uninsured or unable to pay, that would have remained flat from this year. Donna Lynne, Denver Health’s CEO, said during a September budget hearing that uncompensated care costs the hospital just over $100 million a year — leaving the hospital with what she dubbed “
Council members Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Paul Kashmann were among those who expressed their displeasure during Monday’s meeting with some of the mayor’s funding choices — especially when it came to not fully funding the emergency rental assistance request. They hinted that the mayor may have a fight on his hands.
The Johnston administration, meanwhile, suggested that outside sources could help expand the city’s social safety net.