Latest news with #Pueblo
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pueblo mayor pitches sales tax increase, changes to half-cent criteria for 2025 ballot
Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham advocated for a grocery tax several months ago, but she acknowledged during a July 21 Pueblo City Council work session that the proposal to generate more revenue has not been popular with city voters. Instead of a grocery tax, Graham is now advocating for a ballot initiative that would increase the city sales and use tax rate from 3.7% to 4.7%. The city estimates a 1% sales tax increase would generate over $26 million annually — more than twice the estimated revenue of a grocery tax. Funds generated by a sales tax increase would alleviate a multi-million dollar budget shortfall while funding city programs, infrastructure maintenance, new amenities, pools, public safety, roads, and "quality of life services," according to a July 21 presentation by Graham and City Attorney Carla Sikes. The sales and use tax rate increase was proposed with another ballot initiative to change the city's half-cent sales tax criteria ordinance, which Graham said could help bring new amenities like a Buc-ees, Costco, or aquatic center to Pueblo. The updated criteria ordinance would add economic catalyst projects, projects to prevent economic leakage, and place-making projects to the list of initiatives eligible for funding through the city's half-cent sales tax. According to Graham and Sikes' presentation, economic catalyst projects are projects that substantially increase city sales tax revenue from "outside dollars"; projects that prevent economic leakage are those that attract businesses that city residents currently leave town to patronize; and place-making projects are those that "improve quality of life" while also bringing in revenue from outside the community. Pueblo City Council previously had the opportunity to enact changes to the criteria ordinance without approval of a ballot initiative on June 23, but rejected it in a 4-3 vote. Dennis Flores, Roger Gomez, Joe Latino and Regina Maestri were the four Pueblo City Council members who voted against changing the half-cent sales tax criteria. "We heard from PEDCO (the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation), our economic development partners, that the criteria ordinance was being changed a little bit too much," Graham told council members. "You wanted to see it go to the vote of the people, so here it is." If approved by city council, the 1% sales tax increase and changes to the half-cent sales tax criteria are scheduled to be on the November 4, 2025, ballot. Council's next regular meeting is on July 28. The Slab reopens: 'The Slab' is back. Here's what to know open the upcoming re-opening ceremony in Pueblo Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@ Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Why a sales tax increase could be on the 2025 ballot in Pueblo Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
See the rankings: These were Colorado's most popular baby names in 2024
Have you recently discovered you're pregnant or made the decision to bring a new baby into your life? If so, you're probably doing a lot of thinking about what to name your little bundle of joy. Some parents like to name their children after close family members or loved ones and seek more traditional names, while others try to identify unique or uncommon names that cause their children to stand out. If you find yourself in that latter group, there are some names you may want to avoid, as they're among the most common for new babies in the United States. Liam, for instance, was the top name for boys each year from 2019 to 2024, according to the U.S. Social Security Administration, while Olivia was the most common name selected for baby girls in each of those years. Those two names were also the most popular in Colorado in 2024, where 423 boys were named Liam and 277 girls were named Olivia. Here were the top 10 baby names for boys and girls in Colorado last year, and how many babies were given that name. Top names for baby boys in Colorado in 2024 Liam (423) Oliver (367) Noah (341) Henry (282) Theodore (280) Mateo (223) James (205) Owen (203) William (191) Jack (188) Top names for baby girls in Colorado in 2024 Olivia (277) Charlotte (262) Emma (229) Amelia (228) Mia (223) Sophia (203) Isabella (198) Evelyn (189) Harper (161) Hazel (159) More Pueblo news: When does K-12 school start in Pueblo in 2025? Chieftain Editor Zach Hillstrom can be reached at zhillstrom@ or on X, at @ZachHillstrom. Support local news; subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: These were Colorado's most popular baby names in 2024 Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pueblo city councilors are set for their first raise since 1998. Here's how much
The salary of Pueblo City councilors is set to double in 2026 following a 4-3 vote on July 14. Council voted to increase the monthly salary for most members from $700 — a rate approved on March 24, 1997 — to $1,400. The pay for Pueblo City Council president was approved to increase from $900 to $1,800 per month. Just as the 1997 increase took effect the following year, Pueblo City Council's recently approved raise will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The ordinance establishing council pay increases cites "inflationary factors," with $700 in 1997 being equal to $1,405.40 in 2025, according to the Federal Reserve Bank. Supporters of the pay increase included Councilors Dennis Flores, Roger Gomez, Joe Latino and Sarah Martinez. Pueblo City Council President Mark Aliff and Councilors Brett Boston and Regina Maestri voted against the ordinance. Flores argued that pay increases outlined in the ordinance would not only align council pay with inflation but also encourage younger candidates to run for public office. He also noted that sitting council members would not benefit from the pay increase unless reelected. "I think it's time that we just make an adjustment for inflation," Flores said. "There isn't a negotiated salary within the city that doesn't have a cost of living factor in all of our agreements. I just think that this is the time to do this." While Flores' at-large seat is up for election in 2025, he is unable to run for reelection due to term limits. Brett Boston, council's youngest member, is also the only sitting council member who's filed to run for reelection this November. However, Boston argued that a raise for councilors would not be fiscally responsible. "Do I think that council is underpaid? Yes," Boston said. "Do I think they deserve a raise? Sure. But I don't support this. This council constantly preaches fiscal responsibility. Certain council members say 'You don't got it, you don't give it.' That's just my opinion." Despite the pay rates for Pueblo City Council doubling in 2026, wages will remain below the Colorado minimums for tipped and non-tipped employees working full-time jobs. However, Pueblo City Council pay rates will exceed rates in the comparably sized city of Greeley. Members of Greeley City Council earn $12,600 per year, according to a presentation by Pueblo Deputy City Attorney Harley Gifford. Martinez argued that pay increases are necessary to make serving on council accessible to a diverse field of candidates, while also stating that increases should not come "at the expense" of other city employees. "I don't think that we can justify raising our own pay while also talking about laying off the very employees to keep this city running every single day," she said. "If we do end up in a position where layoffs are necessary, I believe that we have a duty to come back to this if it passes and reevaluate." Pueblo City Council District 1 candidate Elvis Martinez spoke against the ordinance during a public hearing before the vote. "It makes absolutely no sense," he said. "I know, and all of us know, that council shouldn't be getting paid double... I could bet $1 that council wouldn't double the work that they do." Pueblo D60 elections: Pueblo lawyer and professor announces Pueblo D60 school board run Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@ Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo City Council approves first pay increase since 1998 Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Young pueblo artists create high-sensory interactive art lab in Taos
TAOS, N.M. (KRQE) – A group of young Indigenous artists from the Pueblo of Taos are continuing their mission to preserve their cultural history and language through art. Hoping to serve as a hub for Indigenous people across the pueblos. The Aspen Song Kids Art Lab, which is located at 117 A Bent Street in Taos, utilizes light, color, and sound to tell stories. 'You got letters from the walls that start popping out at you and all of the, the different scenes that the kids drew in the mural, they start coming to life,' shared Tarynce Hise, Director of the Aspen Song Kids. Hise says that the art exhibit is a creative way to teach the kids about the generational hardships their ancestors endured, while simultaneously preserving their culture. 'So we have what's called image journaling and basically the kids drew these stories of our people's history of the Pueblo revolts of the revolt against Governor Ben of 1847,' emphasized Hise. Taos animal shelter closes indefinitely, amid funding and operational challenges The lab is intended to be a mutually educational experience, allowing the kids and gets to dive into history first-hand. 'Instead of just handing them a pamphlet and say, 'Here, read this,' we get to actually talk to them and the kids get to tell the stories of the history,' continued Hise. The lab pays tribute to the Indigenous practice of using caves to tell stories. 'A long, a long time ago, our ancestors would find these caves and they would tell stories on the walls…So, walking into the art lab is similar to like walking into a hidden cave that tells stories,' said Hise. Hise says that their mission is to create a safe space to empower one another and overcome generational trauma as a community. 'Indigenous youth have a voice and their voice is powerful and they can change the world,' he says. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Yahoo
Suspect shot and killed after allegedly pointing gun at Pueblo police officers
A suspect was shot and killed by Pueblo police after allegedly pointing a gun at police officers on July 8. Officers responded to the 0-100 block of Glen Royal Drive around 11:44 a.m. on a report of a domestic disturbance, according to Pueblo Police Department Community Engagement Manager Bianca Hicks. When officers arrived, the suspect allegedly pointed a gun at officers, at which point an officer shot and killed the suspect, Hicks said. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, per Pueblo PD protocol in shootings involving police officers. The officer's name has not been released at this time. The 10th Judicial Critical Incident Response Team has been activated and is investigating the incident. This is a developing story. Check back at for updates. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court. Arrests and charges are merely accusations by law enforcement until, and unless, a suspect is convicted of a crime. More crime news: Man charged with manslaughter in Pueblo's 6th homicide of 2025 following traffic stop Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@ Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Suspect shot and killed after allegedly pointing gun at Pueblo police
