Suthers: no raises this years

Colorado Springs city mayor John Suthers told KRDO News Channel 13 today that there is not enough money in the 2016 budget to give raises to city employees.

He says the city budget next year does look good and even got a three percent increase of about eight million dollars. Although the budget is good, Suthers says the city’s storm water problem is the first priority he wants to get under control, and he can’t fix those problems while also giving raises next year.

His solution: no raises for city employees. He plans to ask city council to approve this recommendation within a couple of weeks.

Another problem employees could face is paying more for their health insurance. Because insurance rates will go up 15% next year, the employees may have to dish out more for coverage. But, the mayor says the city will match the same percent for health insurance as they did this year.