City Council asks for public input on 2016 budget

The Colorado Springs City Council held a public hearing Tuesday night on the 2016 city budget.

City officials say they want to be more open with next year’s budget.

“It’s quite a different process than last year. There’s a lot more transparency and open discussion this year,” said Larry Bagley, a council member.

The city funds consist of $479 million. The general fund makes up the largest amount, $268 million.

The general fund can be spent on any general purpose governmental activity, such as public safety, parks and transportation.

A majority of the people who voiced their concerns at the hearing, said more money needs to be allocated toward our transportation system.

Rick Rothwein has relied on public transportation for 33 years. He lost a leg to diabetes and said it’s been a struggle since.

“Ever since then, the bus has been my life and it’s part of who I am,” said Rothwein.

Right now, $815,000 is set aside for transportation in next year’s budget. Keesha Jackson, with the Community Transit Coalition said $1 million is needed to improve routes and expand the system.

“I don’t think they understand how severely this impacts our lives,” said Jackson.

Jackson said more routes are needed because a 15-minute drive takes her two hours on the bus.

Others argued more funding is needed to restore our trails and parks.

“Our parks are not going to be maintainable if we don’t take the infrastructure steps that are necessary,” said one citizen.

Council members said they’re taking every public comment into consideration.

The final 2016 budget should be released in early November, but won’t go into effect until the new year.

To look at the proposed 2016 budget click here.