SEPTEMBER 9 - 16, 2026
THE DEFINITIVE SOURCE FOR GRAND JUNCTION BUSINESS & COMMUNITY NEWS SINCE 1994
VOLUME 33, ISSUE 36
THEBUSINESSTIMES.COM
Grand Junction faces $6 million structural deficit Brandon Leuallen
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The Business Times
he City of Grand Junction is facing a $6 million structural deficit heading into its 2027 budget process as expenses continue to outpace recurring revenues. Among the biggest challenges to a balanced budget are a roughly $1.03 million Dos Rios debtservice payment, a rural fire-service agreement that costs the city at least $2 million more annually than it receives, rising labor costs and unfunded state mandates. City Manager Mike Bennett and Chief Financial Officer Jay Valentine outlined the city’s financial position during an Aug. 31 City Council workshop as staff had begun developing a proposed 2027 budget. A number of the financial commitments and pressures they are now addressing began before either assumed their current positions, while others reflect broader challenges facing municipalities across the country. “Currently the 2027 balancing gap is $6 million,” Valentine said. “So, if we didn’t add any new staff or any of the one-time requests, this is status quo. We need to tackle the $6 million deficit.” See story on Page 5
Ice cream shop gets new owners Graff Dairy will open earlier and serve coffee — See Page 2
Graff Dairy’s new owners are Jordan Burge, left, with 4-year-old daughter Eleanor, and Maddison Burge, holding 4-month-old son Theodore. The Grand Junction couple officially took ownership with the closing of the sale on Sept. 1. Graff Dairy is renowned for its home-made ice cream, and the Burges hope people will come to know it for coffee, too. 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