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June 2004
Index of all
messages
from the Association President
May City Council dinner shed
light on Aurora issues
by Debra Green
Summertime heat is already sizzling in Aurora. Business is getting hotter, too. Let's hope this
continues in our market areas.
Not only has business started to pick up, but other segments of our industry have also been busy.
The Aurora Association hosted a dinner for the Aurora City Council as part of its commitment to
link with community. Organizers hoped the event would foster open communication between the REALTORS®
and our local legislators. Linda Philpott, Westwind Realty Inc., chaired the committee that planned and
brought the great event to fruition. I would like to thank Linda and the committee for all their hard work.
Mayor Ed Tauer, Sue Sandstrom (Ward V), Steve Hogan (At-Large), Ryan Frazier (At-Large), Nadine
Caldwell (Ward I), Brad Pierce (At-Large), Bob Broom (Ward IV), and Kathy Green (Ward II) attended.
A number of the Association's directors were there, but even more importantly, some of AAR's general
members were also in attendance.
The evening started with a good dinner and discussion. Talk included Aurora's budget, water issues,
police, transportation, FasTracks, housing and building/zoning issues.
Some interesting items were brought to light...
- There may be a $7.8 million budget deficit;
- New homes use 50 percent to 60 percent of Aurora's water;
- It takes 12 years to get a reservoir permit;
- The city is working on improvement to main street medians;
- There may be a possible tax of 3 - 4 mils needed to support the 2/1000 police requirement.
- FasTracks may be the best option for future transportation, especially with the Fitzsimmons/Biotech Center.
- 52 percent of the city budget comes from sales tax, 10 percent from property tax;
- There are fire stations built which cannot open due to lack of revenue to fund operations;
- Aurora has the third-worst traffic problem in the metro area;
- One legislator said it is important for real estate brokers to deal with vacant houses by keeping weeds cut and watering the yard.
Establishing and maintaining open communication with Aurora's City Council members is vital to our
interest and to that of our customers and clients. I hope you will seriously consider attending governmental
affairs meetings at the board office. As real estate professionals, we need to keep abreast of what is
happening in the community.
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