During the Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting on January 7, 2025, a significant focus was placed on employee compensation, particularly regarding a proposed 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The discussions highlighted the financial struggles faced by many county employees, with numerous staff members expressing concerns that the raise does not adequately address the rising cost of living and inflation.

Several employees voiced their dissatisfaction with the COLA, arguing that it falls short of meeting their basic needs. Cynthia Martinez, who has worked for the county for nearly four years, noted that 95% of her coworkers, including herself, rely on second jobs to make ends meet. She emphasized that Pueblo County offers the lowest wages for similar positions in the state, urging the board to consider the positive impact a higher wage would have on families.

Brenda Maldonado raised concerns about the alignment of the COLA with current economic conditions, pointing out that while the raise slightly exceeds the inflation rate, it does not fully account for the increased costs of essential goods and services. She called for a reconsideration of the raise's size, particularly in light of the contributions made by her department over the past year.

Other employees echoed these sentiments, with many expressing feelings of being undervalued and demoralized by the proposed adjustment. Charles Sierra highlighted the connection between fair compensation and employee morale, noting that inadequate wages can lead to higher turnover rates and decreased productivity. He suggested that a transition to performance-based adjustments might be a more effective approach.

The timing of the raise implementation, set for April, was also a point of contention. Employees like Alicia Teekill and Devin Berman expressed frustration over the delay, arguing that it exacerbates their financial challenges. Many employees are already struggling with rising costs for housing, groceries, and utilities, and a 2.8% increase is seen as insufficient to alleviate their financial strain.

The meeting concluded with a call for the commissioners to reassess the COLA decision and explore options for a more meaningful wage adjustment that reflects the true cost of living in the community. Employees emphasized their dedication to serving Pueblo County and urged the board to recognize their contributions through fair compensation.

As the board considers these concerns, the discussions from this meeting underscore the ongoing challenges faced by county employees and the need for a more comprehensive approach to compensation that aligns with the economic realities of the region.