City HallTop story
City Council passes the 2027 Colorado Springs budget 8-1 on first reading
Council's changes put more into parks and sales tax enforcement
- $4 million
- more than that added to the general fund
- $469,000
- extra for parks and recreation, including new positions
- $1.5 million
- expected from two sales tax enforcement positions
Source: KKTV
The Colorado Springs City Council approved the 2027 city budget 8-1 on Tuesday. A second reading and vote is scheduled for Tue., Nov. 24.
Council raised the general fund to almost $470 million, with the changes aimed largely at parks, fire and police.
- Raises: 1% for sworn police officers and firefighters
- Cardiac monitors: bought with reserve funds for the fire department
- Sales tax enforcement: two finance positions cost $163,000
- Mill levy credit extension: failed 5-4
The tougher call was TABOR. Council Member Ken Casey's proposal to extend the mill levy tax credit fell short, so the city could collect excess property tax revenue in 2027.
“Bring a ballot initiative to citizens. Do you want that 30 dollars back or do you want us to buy something important.”
Council Member Dave Donelson
$9.37 millionestimated excess TABOR revenue from 2027 property taxes
That's roughly $36 per household. Council plans to put a TABOR retention measure to voters within the next two years.
Source: The Gazette
