COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Former state legislator Douglas Bruce is suing Colorado Springs over several issues that he says the city is handling improperly.
City Council President Keith King says the council has discussed each issue with the city attorney and is not in violation of the law.
Public records show Bruce has filed at least 15 lawsuits against the city in El Paso County District Court since 1999.
The Gazette reports ( ) that the latest lawsuit, filed last week, contends that councilmembers are legally barred from receiving benefits, but each has an annual $8,000 expense account, free lunch for work sessions, and access to a refrigerator of snacks.
Bruce’s lawsuit contends that members shouldn’t be eligible for the Public Employees Retirement Association either. He argues councilmembers get stipends instead of salaries and aren’t city employees. City Councilmember Jan Martin said councilmembers consider the $6,250 they receive annually a salary, making them eligible for PERA.
Bruce also argues that the city attorney is improperly appointing outside counsel without City Council approval.
The lawsuit also alleges the city has illegally collected $31.5 million from Colorado Springs Utilities in violation of a measure that called for the city to stop receiving money from its enterprise funds.
“We’ll have to see how that one works itself through the courts,” King said.
The lawsuit takes issue with the city allowing sales tax collectors to keep a percentage of taxes they collect; Colorado Springs Utilities charging turn-on fees, even when a utility isn’t wanted; and controls on residents’ water use.
Bruce’s lawsuit also argues that the City Council has a legal duty to vote on confirming city employee appointees. City staff members contend that a vote isn’t required for interim employees.
Bruce is known for writing the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, which requires voter approval for tax rate increases in Colorado.
He served jail time last year after being convicted of tax evasion, filing a false return and failing to file tax returns.
———
Information from: The Gazette,
