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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Office of the Aldermen
DATE: January 23, 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 of the Code of Ordinances to allow Alderpesons to access additional funds crucial 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.
DISCUSSION:
The attached Ordinance aligns with the suggestions and changes proposed by the RAP and Finance Committees. In calendar year 2025, aldermanic funds for ward alderpersons divided equally, with 50% allocated to "capital expenditures" and 50% designated for "community enhancement." The allocation may be changed through the annual budget process in subsequent years.
Capital expenditures will now also encompass ward clean-ups, shredding events, and the production, printing, and postage of one newsletter.
Ward Grant Programs that receive approval from the RAP Committee can be classified as capital expenditures if they meet the specified requirements.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Adoption of these ordinance changes will allow the ward alderpersons to better address the needs of their respective wards.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council Approve the attached ordinance changes.
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 use of funds budgeted for use at the discretion of individual alderpersons; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it appropriate to amend Sec. 2-65 to revise these practices to allow the alderpersons additional flexibility with respect to the use of aldermanic initiative 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; and further
BE IT ORDAINED, that the respective officers and employes of the City shall be and hereby are authorized to reallocate the Aldermanic Initiative Funds budgeted for 2025 in the manner set forth in Exhibit A and that to the extent such reallocation constitutes an amendment to the 2025 budget, such amendment shall be and hereby is authorized; and further
BE IT ORDAINED, that an alderperson that had unspent Aldermanic Initiative Funds budgeted for, but unspent, in calendar year 2024 that would have qualified for carry-over into calendar year 2025 as allowed in Sec. 2-65, may carry over such funds into 2025 for the specific purpose of completing an approved aldermanic initiative unable to be completed in calendar year 2024, and the respective officers and employees of the City shall be and hereby are authorized to process such request