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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Office of the Alderman
DATE: October 15, 2025
SUBJECT:
Approval of Proposed Changes to Section 2-65 of the Code of Ordinances Pertaining to Aldermanic Initiative Funds.
PURPOSE:
To revise Sec. 2-65 the Code of Ordinances to allow Alderpersons to access additional funds and carry-overs of funds to the next fiscal year for enhancing resources and addressing community needs effectively.
BACKGROUND:
In January 2024, the City Council enacted Sec. 2-65 of the Code of Ordinances to codify the City's practice of making certain funds available to Alderpersons to use at their discretion for purposes set forth in the Code. In January of 2025, the Code of Ordinances again to divide funds to ward alderpersons 50/50 for capital expenditures and community enhancement along with changing definitions of what a capital expenditure encompasses as well as ward grant program procedure and approvals of such programs.
DISCUSSION:
The attached Ordinance aligns with suggestions and changes by the RAP committee. The changes redlined in Exhibit A outline language amendments that clarify how and when budget carryovers would occur. Additionally, the redlines include language clarifying when the city treasurer and public works are contacted on public works projects.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Adoption of these ordinance changes will allow the ward alderpersons spend their funds in the appropriate time frame and work with the city treasurer on any carryover balances to the next fiscal year.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council approve the attached ordinance changes.
cc: Rules, Administration, and Procedures Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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An Ordinance amending Section 2-65 of the Code of Ordinances Pertaining to Aldermanic Initiative Funds.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City Council previously enacted Sec. 2-65 of the Code of Ordinances in order to codify existing, but informal practices, regarding the carryover of alderperson funds at the end of the year; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it appropriate to amend Sec. 2-65 to revise these practices to allow a formal codified process on how to process carryovers of aldermanic funds;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that Sec. 2-65 of the Code of Ordinances shall be and hereby is amended as specifically provided in Exhibit A to this Ordinance.