 Denver has a strong mayor / weak city council government . The mayor can approve or veto any ordinances or resolutions approved by the council , makes sure all contracts with the city are kept and performed , signs all bonds and contracts , is responsible for the city budget , and can appoint people to various city departments , organizations , and commissions . However , the council can override the mayor 's veto with a nine out of thirteen member vote , and the city budget must be approved and can be changed by a simple majority vote of the council . The auditor checks all expenditures and may refuse to allow specific ones , usually based on financial reasons . 
