Pueblo City Council takes public comment on proposed budget

Pueblo City Council needs to cut about $1 million in spending to balance next year’s budget.

Council took public comment during its meeting Monday night. Several of the people who spoke before council work for nonprofit organizations, and explained why council should not cut funding to them.

Melanie Bravo, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club, told council that city dollars help her organization provide affordable childcare.

“The services we provide keep working families working. We pick kids up from school so that parents, especially parents working jobs that don’t have — ‘hey boss, I’ll be back in 15 minutes, I’m going to pick my kid up.’ Many of our parents can’t do that,” Bravo said.

Kiera Hatton, a spokesperson for Puebloans United for Public Safety, urged council to fund its core services first before giving to others.

“There are lots of people in need in our community. But everybody is in need in our community. There’s few that aren’t,” Hatton said.

Council will finalize the budget on Nov. 24 and will take public comment during that meeting.

Monday’s council meeting was the last one for council president Sandy Daff, who will resign on Friday.

During opening council remarks, Daff said, “It’s been my honor to serve and to be a part of Pueblo.” She also thanked her supporters and the city staff.