Update: More than half of Pueblo’s department leaders don’t live in the city

The City of Pueblo says 14 of its 24 department heads do not live in the city.

This comes after Pueblo City Council voted unanimously to have future directors and managers live in the city starting after May 1.

Council members said Police Chief Luis Velez living in Colorado Springs is part of the reason that sparked the decision.

Members also said other cities have residential restriction rules and it’s time Pueblo does, too.

“Because they live there, it’s a loss to the city because they purchase things outside (the city). It seems to me if we are paying your salary, you ought to be buying your stuff in the community,” Council member Bob Schilling said.

Velez chose not to talk about the issue.

The decision does not affect people who are already holding a manager or director position.

Department heads who do not live in the city: Jeri Armstrong, Secretary to the City Manager
Linda Stanley, Assistant City Attorney
Scott Hobson, Assistant City Manager of Community Investment
Lara Keys, Assistant City Manager of Finance
Roni Kimbrel, Director of Finance
Ada Clark, Director of Housing and Citizen Services
Marisa Pacheco, Director of Human Resources
Lori Pinz, Director of Information Technology
Earl Wilkinson, Director of Public Works
Naomi Hedden, Director of Purchasing
Brenda Broyles, Director of Transit
Nancy Keller, Director of Wastewater
Shawn Shelton, Fire Chief
Luis Velez, Police Chief