Aurora – Leaders from Aurora’s council-appointed commissions gave recommendations Thursday night on what should be cut or funded in next year’s budget, giving City Council members more information as they develop strategies for this tough budget season.
The city is looking at cutting nearly $11 million to balance next year’s $221 million budget if a public-safety mill levy fails at the polls Nov. 1.
Aurora has been hit by thin revenue from sales taxes and mandated expenses, such as adding two police officers for every 1,000 residents.
The council has been holding meetings throughout this month to determine how to balance the budget.
If the $10.4 million mill levy passes, the city will have enough money to hire those police officers, build a new fire station and staff an empty fire station.
It also will have enough funds to keep open pools, a recreation center and the city’s museum that are being threatened with closure as city leaders decide what to cut.
On Thursday, the Citizens’ Advisory Budget Committee, which takes an independent look at the budget, presented a divided front to the council.
Some on the committee say the city should go ahead and make the cuts, regardless of whether the mill levy passes.
“Maybe the citizenry doesn’t realize the seriousness of the situation because they are told these things will close and they don’t,” said Renie Peterson, chairwoman of the citizens committee. “We’re doing this every year. The city has cut $60 million over five years and 113 positions in five years. Don’t get me wrong. I’m for the levy. We’re split. Half are really saddened by the loss of the pools. The other half says, ‘Go ahead and cut them.”‘
That committee’s divided presentation exemplifies the difficulty of this year’s budget, said Councilwoman Kathy Green.
Council members make their lasting decisions on what should remain in the budget and what should be axed out at an Oct. 1 workshop.
Staff writer Jeremy Meyer may be reached at 303-820-1175 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com.
