Higher development fees weighed in Aurora

Aurora aldermen are scheduled to vote decide Tuesday's whether to increase the cost of building permits and other planning, zoning and engineering services.

Alderman Abby Schuler said the city expects the additional income will help hire more plan reviewers and inspectors to speed the process of getting a project approved.

The city studied development costs in 30 surrounding communities and found Aurora's costs to be on the low end, Schuler said. The new fee structure would put the city near the average.

Alderman Rick Lawrence, who works in the construction industry, said developers often complain about Aurora's development services.

"I hear complaints all the time," Lawrence said. "I've heard it from some of my constituents calling me about how long it takes to get a permit. Something that should be very simple seems to take forever."

Yet he was not sure he will support the proposal.

"We really need to reduce all the work force by about 150 people to cover our deficit, and now, we're talking about hiring more people," Lawrence said, noting that he had not seen the specifics of the plan. "I would love to see a plan that I could say 'I think it's a good idea, I think it's a bad idea.'"