Information on Golden Residents Count
Updated: January 16, 2025
Golden Residents Count Withdraws City of Golden Charter Amendment Petition
January 16, 2025 – Golden Residents Count (GRC) has officially withdrawn its current petition for a City of Golden Charter Amendment. Initially, the petition sought to trigger a special election in spring 2025, asking voters whether City Council should seek voter approval before incurring significant debt for discretionary projects.
The urgency of the amendment was underscored when, on December 17, 2024, Golden City Council approved borrowing $52.5 million for a new City Hall and Police Facility through an expedited bond issuance process. This decision rendered the impact of the planned special election moot. While GRC believes this action highlights the need for the proposed City Charter amendment, the organization decided to avoid the additional cost of a special election at this time.
Looking Ahead: Continuing The Fight for Fiscal Accountability
GRC remains steadfast in its mission to promote fiscal responsibility and ensure that residents have a voice in decisions involving significant municipal expenditures. The organization is actively exploring next steps, including:
- Refiling the Charter Amendment petition for inclusion on the November 2025 General Election ballot.
- Collaborating with City Council to pursue a Council-led Charter amendment.
- Launching grassroots community initiatives to build awareness and engagement.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the hundreds of residents who signed the petition and supported this effort,” said GRC representatives. “We look forward to reconnecting with our supporters as we continue working toward a more transparent and inclusive decision-making process. Major financial decisions like this deserve more than minimal public involvement.”
Impact of Golden Residents Count Advocacy
Through its efforts, GRC has already had a positive impact on the City’s fiscal planning for the new City Hall and Police Facility. Thanks to increased public scrutiny and resident concerns, the City has reevaluated the project’s scope and costs, resulting in a total savings of $19 million. Key adjustments include:
- Reduced project costs: The design team lowered the total cost from $65 million to $60 million, incorporating two levels of parking not included in the original estimate. This adjustment saves over $3 million in interest, for a total of $8 million in savings.
- General Fund allocation: The City allocated $7.5 million from General Fund reserves to reduce the amount of borrowed funds, saving an estimated $3 million in interest.
- Shortened debt term: The City adjusted the borrowing plan to a 15-year term instead of 20 years, reducing interest payments by an additional $8 million.
“These changes are a step in the right direction,” GRC representatives noted. “Although we see them as small concessions, they demonstrate the importance of resident advocacy. Golden residents raised valid concerns about this massive expenditure, helping to temper an otherwise ‘open checkbook’ approach.”
Call To Action: Stay Involved, Stay Informed
Golden Residents Count invites all Golden residents to join its efforts to foster transparency, rebuild trust in local government, and advocate for the community. To stay involved, email GoldenResidentsCount@gmail.com to keep informed about their upcoming meetings.
Residents are also encouraged to:
- Attend City Council meetings to stay informed.
- Participate in the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC), which starting in March, resumes to monthly meetings in the City Council Chambers at 7:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month.