Nov 4, 2025 - News

City Council restores funding to clerk, auditor

Esteban L. Hernandez

Four people in professional attire stand while looking ahead inside a brightly lit room. — Denver City Council members inside council chambers at the City and County Building. Photo: Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Denver City Council on Monday voted unanimously to restore funding to the City Auditor and Clerk and Recorder's Office, overriding two controversial cuts proposed in Mayor Mike Johnston's 2026 budget.

The big picture: Monday marked the final opportunity for council members to recommend changes to Johnston's slim spending plan, as a budget must be approved by Nov. 10.

State of play: Those offices are led by elected officials — Clerk Paul López and City Auditor Tim O'Brien — who have publicly sparred with Johnston over funding cuts.

By the numbers: Council earmarked $2.7 million for the clerk's office Elections Division, while the auditor's office got $379,038.

Between the lines: Those two changes received a council supermajority, meaning at least nine council members voted in favor — enough to override a mayoral veto.

Over 20 amendments were presented Monday.

What they're saying: While voicing support for the auditor's independence, Councilmember Amanda Sawyer criticized Johnston, saying that despite the city's strong mayor system, Denver "is not a kingdom

What's next: Johnston has until noon on Friday to accept or veto the council's amendments.

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City Council restores funding to clerk, auditor

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