The Aurora city council placed Ballot Question 3K at the center of the November election cycle, asking voters to approve a targeted property tax adjustment for public safety and street infrastructure. This measure promises to reroute existing revenue streams rather than introduce new fees, framing the choice around priorities for neighborhood lighting, rapid 911 response, and resurfacing key corridors.
Below is a concise snapshot of the measure, followed by dedicated sections that unpack fiscal details, community impacts, and practical next steps for residents.
| Ballot Question | 3K | Type | Property Tax Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effective Date | January 1, 2026 | Ballot Language ID | Aurora Question 3K |
| Proposed Rate Change | 1.8 mills increase on assessed value | Revenue Purpose | Public safety staffing, road repairs, and traffic safety |
| Median Home Impact | Approximately $220 per year | Exemptions | Senior homestead, veterans, and disabled residents |
| Council Districts Affected | All districts | Decision Timeline | Results certified within 7 days of election night |
Financial Mechanics of Question 3K
Understanding the fiscal design of Question 3K helps residents see how the proposed mills translate into city services. The measure directs newly collected revenue into a locked budget category overseen by the city auditor, with quarterly public reports showing receipts and line-item spending.
City staff estimate that the 1.8 mills increase would generate roughly $9.2 million annually, adjusted each year for inflation and new construction. This predictable funding stream is framed as a maintenance and staffing bridge, intended to reduce deferred repair backlogs and stabilize public safety staffing levels.
Revenue Allocation Snapshot
Approximately 45 percent of new funds would support police and fire shift staffing, 30 percent would target road resurfacing and drainage fixes, and 15 percent would cover traffic signal upgrades at high-crash corridors. The remaining 10 percent is reserved for emergency equipment replacement and compliance with state safety mandates.
Community Impacts and Neighborhood Priorities
Residents across Aurora can expect visible changes in street conditions and response times if Question 3K passes, particularly in neighborhoods with aging infrastructure. Pothole repairs are scheduled using a data-driven scoring system that weighs crash history, traffic volume, and pavement age, aiming to address the most dangerous routes first.
Public safety enhancements include funding for two additional patrol officer positions and a dedicated school zone safety team. Community surveys cited in the ballot materials highlight requests for improved nighttime lighting at parks and walking trails, which the measure seeks to address through targeted capital projects.
Comparison with Existing Funding Models
Unlike broad sales tax increases, Question 3K focuses on property tax adjustments tied to specific capital and operational needs. Compared to the current funding model, which relies on annual grants and temporary council transfers, the ballot proposal offers a more transparent and durable revenue structure for long-term planning.
| Funding Source | Current Approach | Under Question 3K | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road Maintenance | Grant-dependent, reactive repairs | Dedicated millage-funded schedule | More predictable project timelines |
| Public Safety Staffing | Grant-funded and grant-dependent | Stable baseline staffing levels | Reduced reliance on external funding cycles |
| Transparency | Scattered annual reports | Quarterly public dashboards | Easier for residents to track spending |
| Equity Considerations | Project-based allocations | Explicit priority for high-need areas | Targeted investments in underserved neighborhoods |
Qualifications, Exemptions, and Implementation Rules
Question 3K includes built-in protections for certain property owners, ensuring that the tax adjustment does not apply uniformly across all residents. Eligible senior homeowners, as defined by Aurora code, can receive a partial exemption, while disabled veterans may qualify for a full exemption upon certification with the county treasurer.
Implementation would follow standard municipal procurement rules, with competitive bidding for major infrastructure contracts and independent audits to verify compliance. If approved, the first bills reflecting the change would appear in 2026, with an official city portal launching to provide searchable spending data and project status updates.
Next Steps for Aurora Voters and Stakeholders
- Review the official ballot summary and fiscal note published by the city clerk.
- Attend public hearings to ask questions about project lists and timelines.
- Check eligibility for senior or veteran exemptions before voting.
- Mark election day and encourage neighbors to participate in shaping local priorities.
- Monitor post-election communications for detailed rollout plans and project schedules.
FAQ
Reader questions
Will my property taxes increase if Question 3K passes?
Yes, property taxes will rise by the amount of the 1.8 mills, translating to roughly $220 per year for the median home, though exemptions may reduce or eliminate the increase for qualifying households.
How will the city decide which streets get fixed first?
Road projects will be prioritized using a published scoring model that factors in crash rates, traffic volume, pavement condition, and proximity to schools or transit hubs, with public input sessions scheduled before final rankings.
Can the collected revenue be used for other city services?
No, the measure specifies that funds must remain within the designated categories of public safety, road infrastructure, and traffic safety, with quarterly audits and public reports to ensure compliance.
What happens if Question 3K does not pass?
Without the dedicated millage, the city would continue relying on grants and one-time transfers, likely resulting in slower road repairs and limited new public safety staffing, with less predictable funding for neighborhood improvements.