Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

City council overrides mayor's budget vetoes
Posted: 12.15.2011 at 9:15 PM
Updated: 12.16.2011 at 7:25 AM
0
City council members overrode four of Mayor Steve Bach's vetoes during a special meeting Thursday.  / FOX21: Sade Malloy
Photo

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- After Mayor Steve Bach spent most of Wednesday's veto announcement explaining how he couldn't support spending money on non-essential services, it looks like a division has started within city council with all but two of his vetoes overridden in a special meeting.

"Singularly he's the strong political person in Colorado Springs, but city council, when it's united, has a lot of strength," Tim Leigh, Colorado Springs City Councilmember, said.

So, after taking public comments from locals urging the council to adhere to the mayor's vetoes, the nine-person group went over each line item.

Bach vetoed seven items Wednesday in the proposed 2012 budget including:

- $43,000 to change a legislative communications position from half-time to full time
- $175,000 for city tennis courts maintenance and repairs
- $84,295 for 1 code enforcement officer

Other city news
Bach vetoes budget items 
New fire chief sworn in 
Bach adds to city staff 

Colorado Municipal League and Pikes Peak Area Council of Government dues will be moved to city council's budget.

But, these four items were all overrode by city council Thursday.

"It's okay for us to disagree at times, that's the way the process is supposed to work."

While this is the first time city council has had the option to override a major issues veto, councilman Leigh thinks some people aren't taking our city's financial situation to heart.

"I support that the math is math and it's not political. We have a revenue line that's flat and an expense line that's increasing," Leigh said.

In a written statement Mayor Bach responded to Thursday's decision:

"City council has the last word on this matter and we respect that. Our focus will remain on transforming city government to be fiscally sustainable, while we continue to work to improve customer service and retain great employees."

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
First responders bury pets lost in Black Forest Fire
Abbie Burke  |  Yesterday at 10:00 AM  |  9 comments
Thumbnail
Several fires burning across Colorado
Rachel Welte  |  Yesterday at 10:05 PM  |  4 comments
Thumbnail
New Colorado wildfire prompts evacuations of homes
FOX21 Continuous News Desk  |  Yesterday at 2:48 PM
Follow FOX21
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
Legal
Help from lawyers
Best Bets
Advice from experts
Dining & Entertainment
Info and coupons from local businesses
Beauty & Wellness
Tips to improve your health
ADVERTISEMENT