​I do not believe a 0% tax increase is smart economic policy. Aurora tried it in the late 1990’s and it led to tax increases averaging 7.2% in the 7 years that followed.

Municipal services are fundamental to the operation of the town and overall resident satisfaction. Of course, we all have slightly differing opinions on what the town can do to support complete satisfaction, but generally we agree on the following things.

Maintaining Infrastructure
Safe roadways
Community Safety
Protected Greenspaces
Parks and Recreational Facilities

Just to name a few.

What the material and staff required costs today, changes tomorrow, employees receive COLA increases yearly, residents want more services, and the government officials above us demand we build, which means we need to increase infrastructure to support new residents.

Aurora has had relatively low tax rate increases over the last several years. It is like an insurance policy. Over time all residents have helped ensure the continued strength of our capital reserves while also maintaining overall resident satisfaction by improving roadways, adding parks and recreation facilities, protecting our environment and more.

A 0% tax increase is just like promising accountability and transparency. It is easy to promote, harder to implement.

What do you think?