Pueblo City Council wants seven more officers next year

Police staffing and overtime were the big topics in Pueblo City Council’s work session Monday night.

Council members talked about adding seven police officers to the force next year.

City Manager Sam Azad said he has budgeted for two.

Councilman Chris Nicoll and Councilwoman Eva Montoya said the city needs to bite the bullet to improve safety in Pueblo.

Some members were concerned about the amount of overtime officers receive.

The police department spent $1 million on overtime last year.

City Council President Steve Nawrocki suggested doing a study on the overtime issue.

“Well it sounds like that will make them more comfortable to do an audit. If that will make them and the citizens more comfortable, then we should do the audit,” Deputy Chief Michael Bennett said.

The city has until Nov. 23 to finalize a budget.