The Pueblo West Metropolitan District has formed a budget committee to review the 2024 budget line-by-line. Led by Board of Directors members Brian Axworthy and Joe Mahaney, Finance Director Karen Cordova, Interim District Manager Christian J. Heyn, and District senior management, the committee's focus is on fiscal responsibility and transparency.
"The process of reviewing the budget in such detail is a testament to our commitment to fiscal responsibility and community engagement," Interim District Manager Christian J. Heyn said.
Axworthy, currently serving as Board Secretary, said this process is important so the community knows how their tax dollars are being spent.
"This line-by-line review is an essential step in ensuring that every dollar is allocated effectively and that Metro District finances are balanced," Axworthy said. "It aligns with our goal of prudent financial management and our vow to taxpayers that we are being responsible with their tax dollars."
The budget committee's formation is part of a broader Board and District initiative to involve the public in District activities. This initiative includes community relations, town halls, and other engagement opportunities, all under the umbrella of the Community Conversations Campaign. In keeping with the intent of this outreach campaign, two committee meetings were fully open to the public.
Mahaney, who served as Board treasurer for a year after being elected in 2022, said he hopes this approach will generate positive results on behalf of Pueblo West residents.
"I've been around long enough to know that every penny counts," Mahaney said. "This process gets my approval, and it's about time we took a good hard look at where our money's going."
This year marks the first time a budget committee has been employed to develop the budget. The final budget will be approved by the Board in December.
