Aurora Expo designed to answer residents' questions
Most taxpayers have an idea what they're paying for and how much bang they get for their buck.
Aurora wants all of its constituents to know exactly what they're getting.
Representatives from more than 30 city departments and divisions will gather today, Oct. 4, under one roof, trade-show style, to make it easy for citizens to ask questions and learn about city services.
The 2008 City Service Expo is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail Road. The expo will continue during the same times Oct. 11 at the Eola Community Center, 555 S. Eola Road.
Special Events Coordinator Sanura Young said the expo first was held in 2006 with the expectation that it be a biennial event.
"In the day-to-day operations of the city we've just seen that most people are not quite clear as to all the services their tax dollars pay for," Young said. "Most of the time, those people are elderly and don't get out much to see what we have, or they're just new to town and are still finding their way around."
When planning the expo, Young said city staff members pour over their departments for both the obscure programs and those that are often taken for granted.
"Hopefully we picked some that people are interested in or that they've put off doing," Young said, "so they can come over and get it taken care of in one shot."
Dads, she said, will appreciate tips from the city's own golf pros. Kids of all ages have made the outdoor display of specialized city vehicles, including a fire truck, ambulance, street sweeper, plow, police cruiser and mobile command post, the most popular exhibit.
Residents can take the opportunity to register to vote, get a license for their pet, sign up for a library card, and find out about the city's plans for downtown development.
The city also will provide free gas cans to the first 25 eligible residents at each location.
To receive a gas can, residents must bring an empty gas can to exchange and show a picture identification with their current Aurora address.
Aldermen, department heads and city employees are scheduled to attend to answer questions.
Young said the 2006 expo drew about 500 people each day, a number organizers hope to eclipse this year.
"The more people that know what's available, the easier everyone's lives can be," she said.
If you go
What: Aurora's 2008 City Service Expo
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 and Oct. 11
Where: Oct. 4 expo is at the Vaughn Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail Road. Oct. 11 expo is at the Eola Community Center, 555 S. Eola Road.
Cost: Free
Info: Contact Sanura Young at (630) 844-4731 or syoung@aurora-il.org.