Aurora’s spending outpaces growth

Dear Editor:
As a resident of Aurora, I feel it is time we confront an uncomfortable truth about our city’s spending practices. The financial trajectory we are on is unsustainable, with expenditures and property taxes rising at rates that far exceed our city’s growth, inflation, or population increases.
Here are some key numbers comparing the past five years (See related chart below)
The most concerning takeaway is that while the city’s expenditures have grown at an average annual rate of 12.17 percent and property taxes at 11.40 percent, our city’s property tax valuation has only grown at 5.83 percent, with inflation at 4.22 percent, and population growth at a mere 0.83 percent. This massive imbalance is unsustainable and shows that the city is consistently asking for more from taxpayers without corresponding growth in our tax base, inflation, or population to justify it.
This trend of rapidly increasing expenditures and property taxes cannot continue indefinitely. Adding more taxes, as the city has done this year, is not a viable long-term solution, no matter the type of tax being levied.
I want to thank all the residents who took the time to attend the recent pink postcard hearing and city budget hearing to voice concerns about this unsustainable trajectory. Your engagement is vital in holding our city accountable, and your voices made it clear that we must demand fiscal responsibility from our leaders.
Looking ahead, Aurora’s future depends on electing leaders who are committed to addressing these issues. That’s why I strongly encourage voters to support the following write-in candidates for city council on Nov. 5th: Jannelle Seim for Ward 1, Esther Bergen for Ward 2, and Carl Smith for Ward 3. These write-in candidates will prioritize accountability, transparency, and fiscal restraint.
Together, Jannelle, Esther, and Carl will ensure that Aurora’s growth and spending are aligned with the needs of its residents. It’s time for a change, and these candidates are the right leaders to make it happen.
Jim Ediger,
Aurora