What's in Aurora's $409 million budget

Aurora aldermen on Tuesday approved a $409.5 million budget for 2008, one they say reflects their goals of making neighborhoods safer and increasing downtown development.

Officials approved the budget, which is about 5 percent higher than this year's, in a 10-2 vote.

"It encompasses a tremendous number of good projects and great opportunities for the city," Alderman Bob O'Connor said.

City leaders were able to shave off about $2.5 million from an earlier version.

Next year's major capital expense is $40 million toward an estimated $75 million police headquarters complex on Indian Trail Road. The project will continue in 2009.

Other major projects include road projects and fixing neighborhood streets and city infrastructure. Ten million dollars is budgeted for general downtown redevelopment, though specific projects haven't yet been decided.

Aldermen spent some time discussing the Sho-Deen project, a massive redevelopment planned for along the Fox River. The site, a former city dump, is in cleanup stages.

Alderman Rick Lawrence, who has been a vocal critic of the project, said aldermen already have spent too much money on a project that has no specific plan.

"We're committed to something we don't know," he said.

Alderman Stephanie Kifowit asked how the city could shell out additional money for future developments if its gaming funds already have been committed.

A lot of resources are going toward the Sho-Deen project, she said, and "it is a risk."

She also said she felt the 2008 budget was creating a foundation for serious future problems.

Mayor Tom Weisner said there is risk in every project. As for cleanup costs, the city could use funds from outside budgets, he said. The developer also is helping pay.

"Investing to clean that property up and make it what it could be is a necessary cost of development," he said.

Lawrence said residents in his ward are more concerned about improving local street conditions.

At one point, O'Connor told Lawrence, "You have no monopoly on caring for the citizens."

"While (the budget) doesn't have $20 million for streets," O'Connor said, "it does make an effort, finally, to move forward in that situation."