The City Council of Colorado Springs has approved the budget for 2025, setting the General Fund at $438 million, marking a 2.4% increase from the previous year, as detailed on the City's official website. According to the City of Colorado Springs, Mayor Yemi Mobolade commended the council's effort, stating, "I'm grateful to the City Council for their hard work and dedication in passing the 2025 City budget.” He lauded the months of collaboration involved, emphasizing the intention to ensure the city's prosperity while also dealing with the urgent needs of the citizens, such as public safety and homelessness.
Despite an expected 3.5% rise in sales tax revenue, the budget anticipates a shortfall in covering the cost to continue providing key services. The City plans to maintain a balanced budget and to responsibly use taxpayer dollars by keeping certain budget cuts from the previous year, budgeting savings from 2024 to 2025, and cautiously utilizing $3.9 million of reserved funds.
Continuing its commitment to public service, the 2025 budget includes funding for 20 new Police officers, as well as for three civilian positions within the Police Department. These positions will bolster areas including photo enforcement, Training Academy support, and the body-worn camera program. Additionally, there is ongoing investment in emergency vehicle replacements for the Police and Fire Departments, as well as compensation increases of 2% for all Police and Fire sworn employees and an average of 2% pay for performance increase for civilian employees.
A key feature of the budget is its focus on homeless outreach, with sustained funding for both the Fire Department's Homeless Outreach Program (HOP) and the Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team (HOT). The city also intends to broadly enhance quality of life by adding a team to the Neighborhood Services Division and a maintenance technician for park services. Housing services will be bolstered by reallocating four positions previously funded by grants.
In a move reflecting a commitment to both fiscal prudence and taxpayer relief, the council will hold the 2025 property tax rate steady. According to the City of Colorado Springs, this decision is a strategic attempt to offer residents respite from increasing property taxes while ensuring various initiatives, including $500,000 for shelter bed operations and organizational restructuring, can go forward.
