Furlough Day Elimination
At a glance
- What: An ordinance amending Ordinance 25-95 (2026 Budget Appropriation Ordinance) with a supplemental appropriation to multiple funds to eliminate the November 25, 2026 scheduled furlough day for city employees.
- Amount: Excess general fund revenue of 330,800 dollars.
- Where it stands: Introduced at the September 21, 2026 work session; the 10/27 agenda lists the related appropriation (Ord. 26-61), see 2027 City Budget Planning.
Detail
- Wayne Williams, Chief of Staff, presented, saying 2026 revenues exceeded projections and the excess of 330,800 dollars of general funds would eliminate the November 25 furlough day. Donelson supported it.
- Pro Tem Risley asked what employees who had already planned the day off can do; Williams said they can use a vacation day, a sick day, or take an unpaid day if they lack accrued time. Risley also asked about salary savings from vacant budgeted positions; Charae McDaniel said those were already accounted for in department budgets.
- Leinweber asked how many furlough days were required (up to 7, depending on pay range) and, noting employees lost 5 to 7 days of pay, suggested giving employees November 25 off with pay to reward loyalty. Donelson opposed an extra paid day because of the optics but supported the administration's proposal.
- During the quarterly financial report, Henjum said she supports removing furlough days.
Sources
- City Council Work Session minutes, September 21, 2026: https://legistar2.granicus.com/coloradosprings/meetings/2026/9/2800_M_City_Council_Work_Session_26-09-21_Meeting_Minutes.pdf (attachments: ordinance for November furlough day elimination and presentation)
Log
2026-09-21 - City Council Work Session
Ordinance introduced for the 330,800 dollar supplemental appropriation. No vote at the work session.
2026-05-26 - City Council
Background: in Mayor's Business, Chief of Staff Wayne Williams said the City's second furlough day was Friday, May 25, 2026, and that sales tax revenue is up 4.1 percent against a 1.4 percent projection, with the 2027 budget being prepared conservatively. Minutes: https://legistar2.granicus.com/coloradosprings/meetings/2026/5/2781_M_City_Council_26-05-26_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
2026-10-27 - City Council Meeting
Ordinance 26-61 (supplemental appropriation to eliminate the November 25, 2026 furlough day) was on the 10/27 agenda. Outcome not yet recorded; minutes not posted.
2026-10-13 - City Council
- Ordinance to eliminate the Nov. 23 furlough day using higher sales tax revenue; amendment making it a paid day off passed 5-4. Final vote not captured.