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Manitou Springs presents midyear budget cuts totaling $325,755; council schedules public hearing
Summary
Senior budget analyst Nate Moore presented a midyear amended FY2026 budget proposing $325,755 in reductions across departments; council discussed staffing impacts in police and public works, and set a public hearing for Aug. 4, 2026, after carrying first reading of ordinance 0726.
The Manitou Springs City Council on July 21 received a midyear amended budget that would reduce FY2026 expenditures by $325,755, or roughly 2.35% of the original budget, senior budget analyst Nate Moore said.
Moore told the council the changes reflect department-level cuts in executive and professional services, police and fire (employee benefits and professional development), public services and parks and recreation. "With the budget book, you'll see a total expenditure reduction of $325,755 compared to what was originally budgeted for," Moore said.
Councilors asked how staffing and public safety would be affected. Moore confirmed one police officer position was eliminated for budgetary reasons after management determined they could not fill the role and made other salary adjustments; the city expects to be close to full staffing soon. "It's the position that's been eliminated," Moore said when asked whether a specific police position was removed. City Administrator Denise said the city is pursuing an offer to fill one vacancy and expects to be at full staffing levels within weeks.
Other cuts included a public works wage adjustment and the decision to hire a lower-cost administrative position rather than an external project manager to meet needs at lower cost. Moore emphasized that the midyear document removes planned capital transfers and trims operating lines to reach the reduction target.
Moore also reviewed revenues: sales-tax receipts presented through May were down about 20% compared with last year but showed an improving trend as the summer season begins. He reminded council that sales-tax reporting lags by two months and that June's full sales-tax figures would post around Aug. 10.
Council voted unanimously to carry the ordinance on first reading and set a public hearing for Aug. 4, 2026 at 6 p.m.
What happens next: Staff will post updated budget materials on the city website and return for a public hearing and second reading on the proposed amended budget.
