Colorado Springs City Council Work Session – June 8, 2026

The Colorado Springs City Council held a work session on June 8, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:19 PM. The meeting covered the Office of the City Auditor's 2026-2030 strategic plan, the quarterly financial report, a resolution to increase cemetery fees for 2027, an ordinance amending stormwater permanent control measures, and councilmember reports. The council also unanimously approved a closed executive session to discuss legal advice regarding the Old Colorado City Downtown Development Authority.

Consent Calendar

• Councilmember Williams requested the removal of item 4B.E from the June 9, 2026 regular meeting consent calendar; the council agreed by consensus.
• The cemetery fee resolution (Item 7A) and the stormwater ordinance (Item 7B) were both requested to be placed on the consent calendar for the June 9, 2026 regular meeting. No objections were raised.

Discussion Items

• Review of Previous Meeting Minutes: The May 26, 2026 work session minutes were approved by consensus.
• 2026-2030 Office of the City Auditor Strategic Plan: City Auditor Natalie Lovell presented the office's first strategic plan, outlining four focus areas: talent, processes, technology, and strategic advisory. The plan aims to align with 2024 global internal audit standards and includes initiatives such as data analytics, standardized onboarding, and quarterly "Audit Insight" micro-videos. Councilmember Henjum asked about the sessions, which will be electronic and two to three minutes long. The plan was previously reviewed by the audit committee, which recommended it.
• Quarterly Financial Report: CFO Charae McDaniel reported on general fund revenue and expenditures. Key statistics: combined sales and use tax revenue for February collections was flat, March collections up 6.7%, April up 4.6%, and preliminary May collections up 4% year-over-year. The 2026 budget assumes 1.4% sales tax growth. Non-sales and use tax revenue through period four is at 28.9% of budget. Single-family building permits year-to-date are down 4% compared to 2025. The unemployment rate in El Paso County is 3.6%. McDaniel expressed confidence that no mid-year cuts would be needed if current trends continue. Councilmember Risley voiced concerns about mixed economic signals and the potential for ongoing budget pressures. Councilmember Donelson noted that revenue is tracking about 2.6% above budgeted growth, but McDaniel cautioned against projecting.
• Cemetery Fee Resolution: Kim King, Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, and Cheryl Godbout, Cemetery Operations Manager, presented the 2027 fee increase. The cemetery enterprise operates without taxpayer support, generating revenue from fees and a $12 million endowment. The proposed fees aim to cover costs while remaining competitive; the average in-ground burial space is below the regional average of $3,800. New fees include concrete vaults, monument disposal, and paranormal investigation fees. Councilmember Henjum raised long-term sustainability concerns, noting the need to balance affordability with future capital needs. Godbout stated that current inventory of multiple-space plots is dwindling, and new section development at Evergreen and Fairview cemeteries is critical. She estimated 10 to 20 years before the city may need to acquire additional land. The resolution will be placed on the consent calendar for June 9.
• Stormwater Ordinance: Erin Powers, Stormwater Enterprise Manager, presented an ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the City Code to strengthen enforcement of privately maintained stormwater permanent control measures (e.g., detention basins, bioretention). First reading is scheduled for June 9, 2026, and second reading for July 14, 2026. The ordinance was requested to be placed on the consent calendar.

Councilmember Reports

• Councilmember Henjum reported on the Public Safety Committee meeting, a Civility Retreat, and Fourth of July fireworks coordination. She noted that due to reduced lodging tax revenue, only one city-funded fireworks display will occur (at Ford Amphitheater).
• Councilmember Leinweber reported on the 10th Annual Get Outdoors Day at Prospect Lake (over 3,000–4,000 attendees), a Braver Angels town hall, and a Grandparenting 101 class.
• Councilmember Gold highlighted Caribbean-American Heritage Month, Men’s Mental Health Month, National PTSD Awareness Month, Bike Month, Father’s Day, and Pride Month (June 13–14). She encouraged voting in the June primary election.
• Councilmember Rainey thanked Colorado Springs Utilities for a tour of the Jackson Fuller substation, recognized the Leadership Pikes Peak Local Government Day, and announced plans for a Small Business Economic Forum.
• Councilmember Donelson recognized Commander Mike Velasquez’s retirement after 29 years, attended the fire department open house, a sheriff's graduation, and a town hall at Fire Station 14. He also welcomed his first grandchild.
• Councilmember Casey announced a District 2 town hall on June 30, 2026, at Fire Station 19.

Key Outcomes

• The May 26, 2026 work session minutes were approved.
• The cemetery fee resolution (Item 7A) and the stormwater ordinance (Item 7B) were both placed on the consent calendar for the June 9, 2026 regular meeting; no formal vote was taken at the work session.
• Council unanimously voted (9-0) to enter a closed executive session for legal advice regarding the Old Colorado City Downtown Development Authority.
• No formal votes were taken on the auditor strategic plan or the quarterly financial report; they were presented for informational purposes.