Aurora may pass $412 million budget

Aurora city leaders in 2008 will continue to devote big bucks to their top goals: making neighborhoods safer and increasing downtown development.

Aldermen are expected to vote on the city's proposed $412 million budget - up almost 6 percent from last year's proposal -- in early December. Some changes are expected.

The plan currently is being reviewed by the city's finance committee.

Among the biggest projects in next year's budget is spending $37 million from bond revenues to pay for an estimated $75 million police headquarters complex. The project will continue in 2009.

"This budget is not a business-as-usual thing at all," Finance Director Brian Caputo said.

The police complex, at 1200 Indian Trail Road, includes a parking garage, training and support structure and main building. Work has begun and could be done by late 2009. Here are other highlights from the 2008 budget:

Neighborhoods

• Streets: The city's 10 wards will receive a combined $5.8 million of gaming tax money, an increase of $1 million from this year.

Most funds will go toward fixing streets, though some will be spent on community education projects and local clean-up days.

For the first time, an additional $1 million will serve as a safety net for the worst streets. About 32 lane-miles of neighborhood streets will be improved next year.

• Flooding: Many older areas face flooding issues. Leaders will spend nearly $14 million in 2008 to separate or improve the storm and sanitary sewer systems throughout the city.

Road projects

• Leaders will spend $2.3 million to resurface about 10 lane-miles of main streets.

• $1.5 million will go toward widening Indian Trail Road from Mitchell Road to Farnsworth Avenue and adding turn lanes.

• $750,000 will go to renovate the Illinois Avenue Bridges over the Fox River.

• $2 million will help widen Liberty Street from County Line to west of Oakhurst North, with new sewer lines, lights, curbs and sidewalks.

• $1 million will be spent to widen Eola Road from Montgomery Road to 87th Street.

Attractions

Aside from the police complex, $8 million is included in the 2008 budget for building a 911 center at the department.

Leaders also will spend $1 million to restore the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall. It needs to be stabilized and a basement museum will be built.

Phillips Park Zoo will get a new $50,000 bear exhibit and security cameras for $10,400. Planning for a riverfront park and the Riverwalk will continue, with $200,000 set aside for the latter.

Building improvements at city hall also are on the horizon. Renovating council chambers, with ceiling work and sound upgrades, will cost $100,000. A backup generator for city hall will cost $800,000.

Downtown

Included in the budget is $10 million, with funds to come from a yet-to-be issued bond, for general downtown redevelopment. Specific projects haven't been decided, said Sherman Jenkins, director of Aurora Economic Development Commission.

Leaders in 2008 will continue to seek out mixed-use developments, Mayor Tom Weisner said. And to attract developers, they need to continue improving the city's water and sewer systems.

They'll expand the downtown's sanitary sewer system for $7 million and separate combined storm and sanitary sewers to help decrease flooding for $11 million.

Staffing

More than a dozen positions will be added in 2008, at a cost of about $1.3 million, to the city, which now has the equivalent of about 1,200 full-time employees.

An assistant chief of staff in the mayor's office will cost of $135,800. An assistant corporation counsel will cost $141,200. Other positions are an election clerk for $68,100; a fiber optic coordinator for $134,000; a facilities maintenance supervisor for $125,800; and two new police officers for $219,900.

Figures includes salaries and other job-related factors related, like pensions, supplies and training.