PUEBLO — COVID-19 has continued to have an effect here in Colorado.
Between March and April in Pueblo, the City lost about a $1 million in sales tax revenue compared to the same time last year due COVID-19 & the forced business closure.
Due to the loss, Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar is now looking for approval of a pay-raise freeze with Pueblo Police and Fire Department. Gradisar negotiated the deal with both unions for this to happen.
In return, the unions contracts will be extended for a year.
"We are trying the best we can by the employees and I think they are trying the best they can by the city and I think it is refreshing that we are not having labor disputes or labor problems," Gradisar said.
The firefighter union also negotiated to have a shift change for 2023, where they will work two days and be off four days.
The new agreement is expected to save Pueblo about $1 million.
