Groups in Pueblo asking more than $5 million from the city

Groups in Pueblo are asking for more than $5 million for next year’s budget. The Pueblo City Council says that’s too expensive.

The proposed non-departmental budget shows the groups that are asking for the most money are the Pikes Peak Humane Society at $947,645 and the Pueblo City-County Health Department at $930,455.

The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce is asking for the biggest increase. Its budget was $350,000 in 2015 and its asking for $542,120 in 2016.

City Council President Steve Nawrocki said there has to be a compromise with the asking prices from the groups.

“We need to have the city manager and staff negotiate with the health department and animal services, which I think are directed toward governmental services it terms negotiating the increases they’re asking for,” he said.

Pueblo City Council has until Nov. 23 to finalize the budget.