Financial crisis

The recent audit report presented to the Aurora City Council paints a troubling financial picture — one that demands immediate and decisive action. 
The city’s decision to take over EMS services in 2019 has placed a severe financial strain on Aurora’s general fund, depleting reserves and forcing difficult choices about the future of other essential services. That was clearly the auditor’s conclusion based on last week’s report, which pointed out that revenues from water, sewer and general fund sources are supplementing a service that city leaders admit is far more expensive and complicated to operate than anticipated.
Auditor Michael Hoback’s analysis lays bare the stark reality: with no other significant changes having been made to city services since 2019, the EMS service has drained the city’s reserves to the point that very little unassigned cash remains in 2024. The downward spiral of city finances shows a rapid depletion, from $1.4 million in 2020 to nothing in 2026. 
City leaders dropped the ball last year at this time by not clearly explaining the situation when proposing a 1-1/2 percent sales tax, which might have changed the narrative and ultimate outcome of that decision. The sales tax option cannot be raised again for two years, according to the auditor, which means the city could face budget cuts to critical departments, or be forced to raise taxes beyond what residents have already reluctantly accepted, as demonstrated by the public outcry in September over a 22 percent tax hike.
One of the most concerning aspects of the current crisis is the lack of public awareness regarding the city’s financial peril. It was crystal clear at last week’s meeting that council members want and need to know how the community feels on this issue. Call your council representative. Engage in this important community conversation. Understand that pending decisions could affect services you enjoy and depend on.
An independent cost-analysis study of EMS operations, as suggested by Councilwoman Esther Bergen, would be a good first step to identify ways to make EMS operations more financially sustainable. That could/should be followed up with a community survey asking residents what level of services they expect and how they prefer to pay for those services. 
There are no easy answers, but it would be extremely helpful for everyone on both sides of the city council table to have a better understanding of the options. The city must take proactive steps to engage the community, present clear data, and explore all options for cost reduction to build a better base of understanding and support.
Aurora cannot afford to delay. The city’s leadership should acknowledge that the current trajectory is unsustainable. While EMS is a vital service, it cannot come at the expense of the city’s overall financial stability. 
The citizens of Aurora deserve transparency, accountability, and a long-term financial plan that ensures essential services remain intact without placing an unsustainable burden on taxpayers. The time for action is now.
— Kurt Johnson