SEPTEMBER 3 - 10, 2025
VOLUME 32, ISSUE 34
THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS & COMMUNITY NEWS SINCE 1994
City sales tax revenues edge higher, still trail budget Brandon Leuallen
G
The Business Times
rand Junction’s sales tax revenues are running slightly ahead of last year’s pace, but the city remains below its budgeted projections through the first seven months of 2025. According to the city’s latest revenue report, total sales tax collections through July are 1.5 percent higher than 2024, yet remain 2.6 percent below the 2025 budget forecast. The city has collected just over $36.6 million for the general fund, about $1 million under projections. City Chief Financial Officer Jay Valentine said that puts Grand Junction in a better position than many other metropolitan areas in Colorado, where sales tax revenues are declining. “July 31st, the sales tax is 1.5 percent over last year, but it still is down from our budget projections,” Valentine said. “We’re keeping a close eye on revenue and holding back on some of the more major expenditures.” He then clarified he was referring in particular to major hiring expenditures. Valentine said Grand Junction is not considering furloughs and reductions like Denver. He said staff are scrutinizing open positions and weighing whether to delay hiring. See story on Page 5
THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM
Businesses beef with higher prices Local restaurants, meat stores are doing what they can to avoid price hikes as beef prices keep climbing. — See story, Page 2
Phil Emerson, co-owner of Quality Meat Co., 340 North Ave. in Grand Junction, holds up a tray displaying various beef products his store sells. They’re mostly different cuts of steak, but also on the tray are a chuck roast and a package of Wagyu beef hot dogs. Photo by Tim Harty.
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 67 The Business Times 609 North Ave., Suite 5 Grand Junction, CO 81501