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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Ram Tyagi, Chief Information Officer
Brian W. Caputo, Chief Operating Officer
DATE: January 2, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing an Advance of $80,000 to OnLight Aurora for Operational Support
PURPOSE:
To authorize an advance of $80,000 from the City of Aurora to OnLight Aurora. This funding will be used to cover outstanding vendor invoices and legal fees necessary to maintain OnLight’s operations.
BACKGROUND:
OnLight Aurora plays a critical role in managing and operating the city’s fiber network infrastructure for use by governmental, institutional, and commercial users. Due to recent business challenges, OnLight is facing cash flow difficulties that threaten its ability to meet immediate financial obligations, including payments to vendors and legal service providers.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed advance of $80,000 would be used to address currently outstanding liabilities and certain near-term operating costs, including vendor invoices and legal fees that are essential to OnLight’s continued functionality. This support is intended as a short-term measure to allow OnLight to remain operational while longer-term business strategies are developed.
City officials are currently in discussions with OnLight to ascertain whether the advance will ultimately be considered a loan or a grant.
The City recognizes the strategic importance of OnLight’s services and infrastructure, and this action reflects a commitment to preserving that asset for the benefit of the community.
Funds for this program are available in account 215-1280-419.53-42.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Providing this advance will help OnLight Aurora avoid service disruptions, maintain vendor relationships, and continue delivering critical network services through the end of March 2026. It will also provide the necessary time to explore sustainable funding and operational models for the future.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the proposed resolution be adopted.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Authorizing an Advance of $80,000 to OnLight Aurora for Operational Support
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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 has had a Master Service Agreement with OnLight Aurora since 2015; and
WHEREAS, OnLight Aurora provides Internet access, as well as monitoring and operation of core networks for use by governmental, institutional, and commercial users; and
WHEREAS, to ensure continuity of operations and avoid disruption to critical network services, the City proposes an advance to stabilize OnLight’s operations
WHEREAS, Funds of $80,000 for this program are available in account 215-1280-419.53-42
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the Director of Purchasing is hereby authorized to issue purchase orders for services described in this resolution.