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TO: Mayor John D. Laesch
FROM: Jonathan Núñez, Ward 4 Alderman
DATE: August 7, 2026
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance amending the Ward 4 Budget for Fiscal Year 2026.
PURPOSE:
To obtain the City's Council's approval of a proposed amendment to the Ward 4 budget.
BACKGROUND:
Ward 4 had a Ward 4 Storm Damage Grant program that was set to sunset last year. However, due to recent storms that have been in the area and have caused damage, the program has been restarted and expanded to include all storms that take effect in Ward 4. Given that this program was set to sunset in 2025 as it was only meant for the storm that took place in August 2025, these monies were not originally budgeted in the Ward 4 donation/sponsorship fund account for 2026. Therefore, the $50,000.00 dollars needed to continue the program was not budgeted for 2026.
Additionally, the Randall West Homeowner’s Association completed a sidewalk replacement initiative aimed at improving resident safety. The total cost of the project was $26,000.00 dollars. To help mitigate the financial impact of these improvements, the HOA is seeking partial reimbursement in the amount of $9,500.00 dollars.
Subsequently, in October 2025, a $5,000.00 dollar sponsorship was provided for the Paramount Theatre 2026 Gala. The understanding was that the sponsorship would be processed using 2025 funds since it was approved by the City Council in October 2025, however, it was pulled from the 2026 donation/sponsorship funds.
DISCUSSION:
The budget amendment of $64,500.00 will be made from the Ward 4 Fund Balance. This amount will be placed into account 314-1350-419.50-50.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Without the budget amendment, the Ward 4 Storm Damage Grant Program will not have adequate funds to approve grants to help Ward 4 residents and businesses with any storm damage-related costs that have occurred and/or will occur as laid out within the Ward 4 Storm Damage Grant Program.
The Randall West sidewalk replacement project also presents a financial impact, as the HOA is requesting $9,500.00 dollars in assistance to help offset the cost of their $26,000.00 dollar safety improvement. Without the budget amendment, Ward 4 would not have the necessary funds available to provide this reimbursement.
Additionally, without the budget amendment, the Ward 4 donation/sponsorship account for 2026 will not be able to support as much programming and community support within the City of Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council adopt the proposed ordinance that would affect the 2026 Ward 4 Budget.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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An Ordinance amending the Ward 4 Budget for Fiscal Year 2026.
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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 approved Ordinance No. O99-96 on November 9, 1999, adopting the budget system of finance for the City in lieu of the appropriation system in accordance with 65 ILCS 5/8-2-2.1 et. Seq. and Code Section 2-312(a); and
WHEREAS, the City Council approved Ordinance No. 025-095 on December 9, 2025, adopting an annual budget for the City of Aurora for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026; and
WHEREAS, adequate monies are available in the Ward 4 Fund Balance to pay said expenditures;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: An Ordinance amending the Ward 4 Budget for the Fiscal Year 2026 by adding $64,500.00 to account 314-1350-419.50-50.