Watchdog Report

 

Watchdog Report: Pueblo City Council’s Self-Approved Salary Increase and Timing Concerns

Executive Summary

The Pueblo City Council recently moved to approve a substantial and immediate
salary increase for themselves—effectively doubling their pay. This decision occurred just prior to the council meeting where they voted to place the removal of the mayor on the ballot, raising significant questions about motive, transparency, and the prioritization of public interest. Meanwhile, the city’s General Services employees are offered only a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which merely offsets inflation and provides no real increase in wages or recognition for years of service.

Council Proposes Immediate Pay Raise

The City Council’s proposal called for doubling their salaries without delay. While councilmembers advocate for this substantial increase, General Services staff—the employees responsible for maintaining city infrastructure, parks, and essential municipal services—receive no comparable compensation. A COLA does not constitute a raise; it only preserves the purchasing power of wages in line with inflation, leaving employees without meaningful wage growth despite increasingly demanding working conditions.

Disparity in Funding Priorities

Recent budget decisions revealed a clear disparity in priorities. The Council has chosen to prioritize funding for homeless services and shelter operations over modest wage increases above COLA for General Services employees. These municipal workers are essential to the daily functioning of the city, yet their compensation remains stagnant, while elected officials seek immediate personal financial gain.

Suspicious Timing and Political Implications

The timing of the council’s pay increase proposal is particularly concerning. It occurred just prior to the Council voting to place the removal of the mayor on the ballot—a sequence that suggests potential self-interest and political maneuvering. By advancing a significant personal financial benefit and then moving to challenge executive leadership, the Council created the appearance of a coordinated agenda that prioritizes their own interests over city governance and public trust.

Transparency and Accountability Concerns

Allowing elected officials to vote themselves an immediate pay raise without voter input undermines transparency and accountability. Public confidence in government is compromised when decisions are self-serving or politically motivated. Historically, City Council positions have been viewed as a civic responsibility rather than a career path, and compensation was intended to reflect modest support for public service, not to serve as a full-time salary equivalent.

Risks to Public Trust and Governance

The combination of self-approved raises, poor wage support for frontline employees, and suspicious timing around major political actions creates a clear risk to public trust. Council members are expected to prioritize the interests of the community, but these actions suggest a divergence from that responsibility. Without independent oversight or robust justification, such practices can erode confidence in local government and compromise the integrity of representative democracy in Pueblo.

Conclusion

The Pueblo City Council’s decision to double their own pay, coupled with the timing of the mayoral removal vote, represents a serious lapse in judgment, transparency, and accountability. While the city’s essential workforce remains undercompensated, the Council pursues personal financial gain, raising legitimate concerns about ethics and governance. Stronger oversight, transparent procedures, and alignment of council compensation with public expectations are essential to restore trust and maintain the integrity of local government.