This week's civic news centers on one evening. On Tuesday, Nov. 17, Centennial City Council takes up two of the biggest money questions it handles all year. Here's what the city's legal notices put on the calendar, and why each item matters.

The 2027 budget gets its public hearing

Council will hold a public hearing on adopting the 2027 Budget on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center, 13133 E. Arapahoe Rd. Copies of the proposed budget are available on the city website or in person at the Civic Center.

Why it matters: The budget is the city's spending plan for next year. It shapes the services and projects residents rely on.

Written budget objections are open until adoption

A notice published Oct. 29 says any interested elector of the city may file written objections to the proposed 2027 budget with the City Clerk at any time before final adoption on Nov. 17.

Why it matters: This channel is built into the budget process. You can use it even if a Tuesday-night meeting doesn't fit your schedule.

Tax Ordinance 2026-O-21 returns for second reading

Ordinance 2026-O-21 would amend Chapter 4, Article 1 of the municipal code to impose a sales and use tax increase. The city's notice says the ordinance passed first reading on Monday, Nov. 2. Its public hearing and second reading are set for Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers.

You can comment in person at the hearing. Written comments can be mailed to 13133 E. Arapahoe Rd., Centennial, CO 80112, or emailed to the address listed in the notice. Written comments must arrive by 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16.

Why it matters: Sales and use tax applies to everyday purchases in the city, so changes to this part of the code reach nearly every household.

The city's case, in its own numbers

The city's measure page describes the 1% sales and use tax increase that appeared on the Nov. 3 ballot. It would raise the city's rate from 2.5% to 3.5%. The city projects the increase would bring in about $27 million a year for transportation infrastructure.

The page also lays out the city's view of the need:

The Street Fund receives about $15 million a year.

The city puts the minimum need at about $35 million a year, a gap of $20 million or more.

The city says reserves would be exhausted by 2028.

These are the city's own figures and projections. Residents weigh the trade-offs differently, and both the written-comment window and the hearing are open to every view.

Why it matters: Whatever your position on the tax, these numbers are the city's stated basis for it. They're worth reading before you comment.

How to follow up

Hearings: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m., Civic Center, 13133 E. Arapahoe Rd.

Budget objections: File in writing with the City Clerk before final adoption on Nov. 17.

Ordinance comments: Written comments must arrive by 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16. You can also speak at the hearing.

Read the source documents: Both notices are on the city's Legal Notices page. Background on the tax is on the measure page.

Meeting details can shift, so check the city's site the day of the meeting. If you have something to say about next year's budget or the tax ordinance, Nov. 16 and 17 are the dates to mark.