Cash flows with special census

The results of a special census will bring an extra $1 million to North Aurora over the next four years.

Earlier this year, the village conducted a partial census of subdivisions that have grown in the past few years. It was the second special census the village conducted in three years and the last count it will have before 2010. The count showed the village had grown from 13,764 in 2004 to 15,893, which was more than officials expected.

Tanner Trails, Moose Lake Estates and Mirador subdivisions in particular showed a lot of growth, Village Administrator Sue McLaughlin said.

Before the census began, the village expected to see about 1,500 new residents. But the higher number is not a bad thing because it will translate to more money from the state -- about $250,00 more per year for four years, she said. The state has certified the new number, and the village has already started to see the larger checks. The special census cost about $137,000.

"It's good to know how many people are out there; how many more people we are serving as a village," McLaughlin said.

Although the village has seen about 5,000 new residents move in since 2000, the effects of the poor housing market are starting to be seen, she said.

Whereas the village used to issue between 20 and 30 housing permits per month, last month that number was two. She said the fall-off was not because of lack of lots for sale.

"It's starting to slow down now. The market is not very good," McLaughlin said.