Colorado Springs is expecting an increase in revenue of more than $38 million next year.

As a result, next year’s budget proposal in the city prioritizes maintenance and workforce investment. In a letter submitted to council as part of the budget proposal, Mayor Yemi Mobolade said his theme is “take care of what we have.”

“Inflation and rising costs continue to put pressure on the City’s budget even as revenues grow,” Mobolade said in the letter. “At the same time, affordability remains a significant concern for residents who are managing rising costs in their own households. They expect their City government to exercise the same discipline.”

The proposed budget gets rid of required furlough days for employees that were instituted this year. It also sets aside more than $16 million for compensation for civilian and sworn employees. 

Also in the proposal is funding for a new crew that would focus on pothole repair.

The budget allocates $1.8 million from the recreational marijuana tax for police technology and equipment and $3.9 million — also from the tax — for replacing equipment at the fire department. $1.4 million is also allocated to the Clean and Safe partnerships, aimed at improving the downtown experience for visitors.

The budget is subject to council approval and possible amendments. The first work session on the proposal is next week and a final vote is expected in November.