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TO: Mayor John D. Laesch
FROM: Carl Franco, 5th Ward Alderman
DATE: July 17, 2026
SUBJECT:
An ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article 2-IV, Sec 2-277 pertaining to residency requirements for department heads.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this ordinance is to revise the residency requirement applicable to the City Chief of Police and City Fire Chief, allowing them to reside either within the City limits or within a municipality located no more than fifteen (15) miles from city limits.
BACKGROUND:
Section 2-277 of the City Code establishes the appointment and residency requirements for department heads within the City of Aurora. Currently, residency requirements vary by position, with some exemptions already in place for department heads appointed prior to certain dates or possessing specific professional qualifications.
The draft revisions contained within Exhibit A include updated language for subsection 4, specifying that the City Chief of Police and City Fire Chief may reside within any municipality which is located, at least in part, within fifteen (15) miles of city limits. This adjustment modernizes the residency standard and reflects contemporary recruitment, retention, and professional mobility needs for these high-responsibility positions.
DISCUSSION:
This amendment provides flexibility in the residency requirement for the City’s Chief of Police and Fire Chief. By permitting residency within a municipality which is located fifteen (15) miles of city limits, the City expands the potential candidate pool while maintaining reasonable proximity to Aurora for emergency response, operational oversight, and departmental leadership functions.
The amendment does not alter appointment procedures, qualifications, or other provisions within Sec. 2-277. There are no anticipated financial impacts, staffing changes, or procedural costs associated with adopting this ordinance.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This ordinance will allow the City Chief of Police and City Fire Chief to reside within any municipality which is located, at least in part, within fifteen (15) miles of city limits. This increased flexibility may enhance recruitment opportunities, improve retention of qualified leadership, and reduce barriers that could discourage potential applicants from seeking these critical public-safety roles.
The change supports operational continuity across both the Police and Fire Departments and may improve the City’s ability to attract experienced leaders without requiring immediate or restrictive relocation. No adverse impacts on public services, departmental operations, or budgetary obligations are anticipated.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the Rules, Administration, and Procedure Committee and the City Council approve the proposed ordinance amending Sec. 2-277 to update the residency requirement for the City Chief of Police and City Fire Chief.
cc: Rules, Administration, and Procedure Committee/
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
An Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article 2-IV, Sec 2-277 pertaining to residency requirements for department heads.
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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 of Aurora periodically reviews and updates its municipal code provisions to ensure they reflect current operational needs, best practices, and longstanding employment conditions within City departments; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary and appropriate to amend Section 2-277 to clarify residency requirements applicable to department heads, specifically those related to the residency expectations of the City Chief of Police and City Fire Chief; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its home rule authority, the City seeks to maintain continuity and flexibility in departmental leadership while ensuring that residency requirements reflect modern operational realities and best practices in public safety administration;)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows:
SECTION ONE: The City of Aurora Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Section 2.77 is hereby amended as set forth in Exhibit A, to amend the residency requirements for the Chief of Police and Fire Chief.
SECTION TWO: SEVERABILITY. If any section, paragraph or provision of this Ordinance shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the invalidity or unenforceability of such section, paragraph or provision shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION THREE: REPEAL OF PRIOR ORDINANCES. All prior Resolutions and Ordinances in conflict or inconsistent herewith are hereby expressly repealed only to the extent of such conflict or inconsistency.
SECTION FOUR: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect immediately from and after its passage and approval.