Colorado Springs’ New Budget

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Colorado Springs’ Mayor Steve Bach released his 2013 budget proposed yesterday. KRCC’s Katherine-Claire O’Connor reports.

Finance Chief Kara Skinner says 36 city positions previously eliminated mean an additional 3.3 million dollars for the budget. Some of those funds will go toward storm-water drainage improvements. Skinner also says some of that money will help beef up the fire department.

“The Waldo Canyon Fire in general reinforced the belief that we need to try and keep our police and fire forces as close to authorized strength as we can in order to respond appropriately to a fire. Which I think they did with the force we had, but it just made it that much clear how important that is.”

Each department will break down specifics to City Council next week. Council then has until November 1st to request changes or additions. The budget is expected to be finalized mid-December.