Monument's Finance Director Jennifer Phillips had no upsides to present to the Town Council Tuesday: There is no money for aging vehicle replacement, adequate staffing for services, funding-matched grant projects or potentially even Christmas.

"This goes on and on and on; it never ends," she said. "It's not like we have a bad year."

The town of about 13,000 north of Colorado Springs is facing a financial crisis due to chronic deficit spending and declined sales tax revenue.

The town laid off six employees in the past month to save money, said Phillips, putting pressure on higher-level staff to man the front desk and take on other administrative duties.

"We physically will not be able to deliver the amount of projects expected," she said.

The town has also chosen not to fill positions

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