Drastic Service Cuts in Colorado Springs Redefines "Basic Services"

Residents are being encouraged to bring their own lawnmowers to local parks, as the city will only be trimming the grass every two weeks. And everything from local museums to public pools are closing for good.

From the Denver Post: "Turning out the lights, literally, is one of the high-profile trims aggravating some residents. The city-run Colorado Springs Utilities will shut down 8,000 to 10,000 of more than 24,000 streetlights, to save $1.2 million in energy and bulb replacement."

The city is reducing police and fire protection, reducing the number of streetlights, eliminating public waste receptacles, and cutting the parks budget from $20 million to roughly $3 million a year.