On December 15, 2011, a majority of Colorado Springs City Council members chose to override all but two Mayoral line item vetoes in the proposed 2012 Budget.
Two Council members, Angela Dougan and Tim Leigh, voted against the budget override.
Merv Bennett, Lisa Czelatdko, Scott Hente, Bernie Herpin, Jan Martin, Val Snider and Brandy Williams voted to override the vetoes to fund expenditures for:
- $43,000 to change a Legislative Communications position from half-time to a full time employee
- $175,000 for City tennis courts maintenance and repairs
- $84,295 for an additional 1.0 full time Code Enforcement Officer
- Colorado Municipal League and Pikes Peak Area Council of Government dues moved to City Council’s budget
Items which City Council accepted and did not override include:
- $10,000 to the Old Colorado City Historical Society for education, history and culture
- Authorize Parks staff to grow flowers for “Springs in Bloom”
Mayor Bach said, “At a time when we’re asking police and fire departments to operate within financial constraints, it would be irresponsible of me to support these meritorious, but non-essential expenditures.
It’s time we use priorities-based budgeting. If we don’t change our course, we’ll be insolvent in 5-8 years and I’m not going to let that happen.
I’d encourage others to lead the charge to raise money for tennis courts and other non-essential services. These are great opportunities for community-wide partnerships versus relying on city money.
But 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.”
