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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Alayne Weingartz, Corporation Counsel
DATE: December 5, 2014
SUBJECT:
Requesting approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City, the Election Commission and Kane County.
PURPOSE:
This proposed Memorandum seeks to clarify and clearly set forth all procedures and prerequisites for payments by the City to the Aurora Election Commission.
BACKGROUND:
The Aurora Election Commission (AEC) is an independent body. Commissioners are appointed by the Judge of the 16th Circuit Court and serve a three year term. Terms are staggered and presently filled by Leah Anderson, Chair, Michael McCoy, Vice Chair and Lillian Perry, Secretary.
According to State law, Kane County is required fund certain AEC expenses by statutory formula. While the City has no input into the AEC's overall budgeting process, State law further requires the City to pay AEC expenses not covered by the statutory formula.
Prior to 2010, the City provided space and basic support services to the AEC in order to assist in keeping the Commission's expenses as low as possible for the benefit of Aurora taxpayers. The arrangement also allowed the AEC's budget and procurement process to seamlessly integrate with the City of Aurora's processes. In 2010, the AEC decided to separate from the City of Aurora and vacated the city-owned space.
Concerned about increasing costs and the lack of public accountability for taxpayer dollars, on August 10, 2010, the Aurora City Council adopted Resolution R10-280 requesting that a proposition to reject or maintain the city election law (The Aurora Election Commission) be submitted to the electors of Aurora at the General Election to be held on November 2, 2010. While the Illinois Constitution clearly provides for a referendum question to be placed on the ballot by City Council resolution under Art. 7, the Aurora Election Commission took the position that they would not certify such a question and place i...
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