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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pueblo city councilors are set for their first raise since 1998. Here's how much
The salary of Pueblo City councilors is set to double in 2026 following a 4-3 vote on July 14. Council voted to increase the monthly salary for most members from $700 — a rate approved on March 24, 1997 — to $1,400. The pay for Pueblo City Council president was approved to increase from $900 to $1,800 per month. Just as the 1997 increase took effect the following year, Pueblo City Council's recently approved raise will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The ordinance establishing council pay increases cites "inflationary factors," with $700 in 1997 being equal to $1,405.40 in 2025, according to the Federal Reserve Bank. Supporters of the pay increase included Councilors Dennis Flores, Roger Gomez, Joe Latino and Sarah Martinez. Pueblo City Council President Mark Aliff and Councilors Brett Boston and Regina Maestri voted against the ordinance. Flores argued that pay increases outlined in the ordinance would not only align council pay with inflation but also encourage younger candidates to run for public office. He also noted that sitting council members would not benefit from the pay increase unless reelected. "I think it's time that we just make an adjustment for inflation," Flores said. "There isn't a negotiated salary within the city that doesn't have a cost of living factor in all of our agreements. I just think that this is the time to do this." While Flores' at-large seat is up for election in 2025, he is unable to run for reelection due to term limits. Brett Boston, council's youngest member, is also the only sitting council member who's filed to run for reelection this November. However, Boston argued that a raise for councilors would not be fiscally responsible. "Do I think that council is underpaid? Yes," Boston said. "Do I think they deserve a raise? Sure. But I don't support this. This council constantly preaches fiscal responsibility. Certain council members say 'You don't got it, you don't give it.' That's just my opinion." Despite the pay rates for Pueblo City Council doubling in 2026, wages will remain below the Colorado minimums for tipped and non-tipped employees working full-time jobs. However, Pueblo City Council pay rates will exceed rates in the comparably sized city of Greeley. Members of Greeley City Council earn $12,600 per year, according to a presentation by Pueblo Deputy City Attorney Harley Gifford. Martinez argued that pay increases are necessary to make serving on council accessible to a diverse field of candidates, while also stating that increases should not come "at the expense" of other city employees. "I don't think that we can justify raising our own pay while also talking about laying off the very employees to keep this city running every single day," she said. "If we do end up in a position where layoffs are necessary, I believe that we have a duty to come back to this if it passes and reevaluate." Pueblo City Council District 1 candidate Elvis Martinez spoke against the ordinance during a public hearing before the vote. "It makes absolutely no sense," he said. "I know, and all of us know, that council shouldn't be getting paid double... I could bet $1 that council wouldn't double the work that they do." Pueblo D60 elections: Pueblo lawyer and professor announces Pueblo D60 school board run Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@ Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo City Council approves first pay increase since 1998 Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pueblo 2A special election: Will voters opt to leave Black Hills?
For the second time in a little over five years, city leaders are asking voters if they should cancel Pueblo's franchise agreement with Black Hills Energy. For the special election on May 6, city of Pueblo residents are weighing in on Ballot Initiative 2A — a question asking whether the city should cancel its franchise agreement and "acquire the generation, transmission and distribution assets" of Black Hills, if "determined feasible." A similar election took place on May 5, 2020. Then, voters were asked if the city should cancel the agreement to authorize the formation and operation of a publicly-owned electric utility through the Pueblo Board of Water Works. The 2020 question was resoundingly rejected by voters: over 75% voted against the measure. Will 2025 be any different? It's up to voters to decide. Pueblo City Council President Mark Aliff speaks in opposition to Blacks Hills Energy rate increases on June 11, 2024. What are the arguments for and against 2A in 2025? Opponents of 2A have pointed to a pair of Black Hills Energy-commissioned studies conducted by the Brattle Group that conclude it is too costly for the city of Pueblo to purchase all Black Hills assets within the city and also too expensive for the city to form a regional co-op with other communities paying Black Hills' electric rates. A city-commissioned study also concluded that a city-only utility is not feasible. Proponents of 2A have ruled out the possibility of the city purchasing assets alone, but have not ruled out the chance of garnering regional or statewide support to explore all possibilities. Those supporting 2A in 2025 are distraught by Black Hills' recent rate increase and a study demonstrating that — even before the rate increase — Black Hills customers were paying higher rates than anyone else in the state. A 24 hour ballot drop off box outside the Colorado State Fairgrounds on Prairie Avenue. How and where to vote on 2A in Pueblo Ballots featuring Ballot Initiative 2A were mailed to active voters starting April 14. It's too late to return a ballot by mail, so those seeking to vote in the election must turn in their ballot at a designated drop-off location by 7 p.m. on May 6. Drop-off locations within the city of Pueblo include the following locations: Pueblo County Election Office: 201 W. 8th St., on the east side of the building Pueblo County Courthouse: 215 W. 10th St., on the west side of the building Colorado State Fair: 950 S. Prairie Ave., outside gate along Prairie Avenue Barkman Branch Library: 1300 Jerry Murphy Rd. Lamb Branch Library: 2525 S. Pueblo Blvd., behind the building Routt Ave MV Drive Thru: 1228 Routt Ave. Colorado State University Pueblo: 2200 Bonforte Blvd., accessible from Gonzales Drive Pueblo Community College: 900 W. Orman Ave., accessible from Harrison Street Additionally, the Pueblo County Election Office will have an in-person voting location open until 7 p.m. on the seventh floor of the building, according to an official notice on the May 6 election. Where to find live election results When available, election results will be shared by Pueblo County at Because results will not be released until after the Chieftain's May 7 print deadline, coverage of the results will appear in print on May 8. More on 2A: 'Continue the path forward': Mayor Graham discusses findings of full 2A feasibility study Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@ Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo special election: Get results here
