The Post editorial:

The Denver City Council’s request for more money seems more than a little awkward

The Denver City Council’s big request for more money in next year’s budget seems more than a little awkward, and we hope reasonable minds step in and bring a little fiscal discipline to the group.

While the council members’ request for $1.3 million in new money to spend is a relatively tiny figure compared to the city’s proposed total budget of $1.9 billion, it represents a nearly 30 percent increase from existing council spending — and follows members’ recent 10.3 percent pay raise. (Council members now make $91,915 a year. Their president pulls in almost $103,000.)

That’s pretty bold, considering the council recently approved an affordable housing program that will raise property taxes across the city. Given that many residents are struggling to pay soaring rental and housing costs, and criticism that the affordable housing program should look for other funding sources, we wonder whether the $1.3 million a year wouldn’t be better spent toward those goals.

Yes, Denver is growing quickly, and council members can argue that they need more staff to help their constituents. But members, who are expected to work full time, already have budgets sufficient to staff a pair of aides, and already are served by legislative experts at City Hall that can help them do the job. Also, Denver is a strong-mayor city. For the most part, the members serve to advance the administration’s agenda. How much more do they really need?

And Mayor Michael Hancock isn’t making a big request. The mayor seeks only 1.3 percent more for his offices. The total budget for this rapidly growing and ambitious city is worlds more modest at just under 5 percent.

The council’s request is also odd, as a handful of the members in interviews with The Denver Post’s Jon Murray suggested they didn’t need more staff to begin with. Several said they would direct the money to other programs in their districts.

Wayne New, who represents central Denver, opposed the request and said he didn’t need more staff than the single aide he employs presently.

Councilman Kevin Flynn, who represents southwest Denver — also with a single aide — told Murray, “I don’t need this money, to tell you the truth. … I just thought it was unnecessary and I actually asked the mayor’s office to turn it down.”

Meanwhile, city officials are gearing up to ask residents next year to approve another big bond issuance to raise hundreds of million of dollars for building projects.

Council members should be exhibiting leadership now in preparation for that request. City officials across departments need to see that fiscal restraint is not just a stated goal, but a lived practice. Voters ought to be shown that respect as well.

Asking for more when the need seems dubious sends the wrong message. And for those Denver residents struggling with difficult budget realities day in and day out, we would hope they demand better.