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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 Chie...
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