Colorado Springs approves paid leave for Nov. 25 furlough day

Colorado Springs City Council gave final approval Oct. 27 to a $380,700 supplemental appropriation that will pay furlough-eligible employees for Nov. 25, while city offices remain closed. The measure passed 8–1, completing Council action after an earlier first-reading vote.

The amended ordinance allocates $330,800 from the General Fund, $11,400 from the Conservation Trust Fund, $32,000 from the Public Safety Sales Tax Fund and $6,500 from the Trails, Open Space and Parks Fund. The General Fund allocations include $58,000 for Police, $53,300 for the Mayor and Support Services, $43,300 for Public Works, $40,500 for Innovation and Technology and $40,000 for Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. The ordinance says the money comes from revenue collected above budget projections in those funds.

The change covers one of five unpaid furlough days scheduled for 2026 in response to a budget shortfall. Furloughs remain in place in other affected funds, where the ordinance says costs can be absorbed within existing budgets; it does not name those funds.

Council amended the proposal Oct. 13 to make Nov. 25 a paid day off, passing the amendment 5–4, then approved the appropriation on first reading, 8–1, according to the Oct. 13 Council minutes. The Oct. 27 meeting record records the final 8–1 vote on the amended measure.