Pueblo lobbyists say state—udget shortfall could squeeze local programs; municipal-court bill monitored

Pueblo City Council received a briefing on Dec. 23 from the city—s lobbying team about the state—s budget outlook and pending legislation that could affect municipal funding and court operations.

The lobbying team told council members that the state began the fiscal year with about a $1 billion revenue shortfall and that the current shortfall is roughly $700 million after a $300 million upward revision. "I think our top priority for the city this year with your guidance and permission leadership is to protect a number of appropriations designated for local government including the City of Pueblo," said Mr. Romero, the city—s lobbyist.

Why it matters: a sustained revenue shortfall may prompt midyear adjustments to department budgets, and staff flagged potential impacts to Department of Local Affairs grants, Department of Public Safety grants and behavioral health funding that Pueblo—s institutions and community providers depend on.

The lobbyist warned councilors that lawmakers will set budgets against the March forecast and that some appropriations could be reduced before that point. He also said the city is watching how the voter-approved $350 million law-enforcement appropriation will be operationalized and when it will be disbursed. "It's just a question of the timing of when that's going to happen," Mr. Romero said of the voter-approved funding.

Legislation to watch: staff reported a pending bill to be carried by Representative Mabry that would make changes affecting municipal courts; lobbyists said earlier concerns that statewide jurisdictional changes would sweep broadly appear to be narrowing now that some local governments have already restructured. Mr. Romero said the city will review any draft language and return to council for input when it becomes available.

The briefing also noted other potential bills, including union-related proposals and measures aimed at corrections and recidivism; lobbyists said the session will likely prioritize education and recidivism reduction but added that proposals with even small fiscal impacts may face difficulty advancing this year because of the shortfall.

Other items: the lobbying team reported a request from MDX Veil, a local rail- and road-safety training facility, to host council members for a site visit in February–April; staff said they would circulate possible dates.

What council asked for: councilors asked staff to return with analysis when bill drafts become public and to consider inviting local legislators to a future work session for a short briefing on measures that directly affect Pueblo.

Provenance: This article is based on the lobbyist briefing that began at 00:03:14 and concluded at 00:09:37 in the meeting transcript.