Mayor John Hickenlooper's ambitious $550 million bond package and proposed tax increase moved a step closer to the Nov. 6 ballot Wednesday despite concerns that cultural projects will be sitting ducks.

Critics of the package, which the finance committee sent to the full City Council, also say voters might not understand they can approve part of the package and still avoid higher taxes.

The proposal calls for two property tax increases: a 2.5 mill levy that would generate $27 million annually to pay for ongoing maintenance, and a 20-year, $550 million bond issue to pay for deferred maintenance, "critical" projects and new buildings.

Denver can issue $480 million in bonds without raising taxes.

There would be eight questions on the November ballot, including a $70 million proposal to renovate Boettcher Concert Hall and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Some council members worry that when asked to build new bike paths, libraries, and buildings for health and human services and public safety, voters may view the concert hall and museum renovations as unnecessary "icing" on the cake.

"I don't think of them as icing," Councilwoman Carol Boigon said. "Music is an expression of our community, and so, to me, as we look at this as a well-rounded community committed to the life of the mind and spirit as well as the life of the body, the culturals are central."

Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz was the only council member Wednesday to proclaim opposition to both the mill levy increase and the cultural projects package. Faatz said that she isn't convinced the city has made the best possible use of the money it already has.

The package will go for first reading before the entire council Aug. 13.