Finance Committee proposes capital fund changes for Novigan City Council

The Aurora Committee of the Whole meeting held on April 17, 2025, focused on the management and allocation of city funds, particularly regarding non-capital and capital expenditures. The meeting began with a detailed explanation of the rollover policy for non-capital funds, emphasizing that any unspent non-capital funds would automatically transfer to the capital account for the following year. This policy aims to ensure that no funds are lost, provided that they are allocated to a capital project.

Alderman Franco highlighted concerns regarding the limitations of the current capital definition, which could restrict the city’s ability to fund various community programs. He proposed a reclassification of certain expenditures, suggesting that grant programs and communication costs be included in the capital budget. This change would allow for greater flexibility in spending and ensure that essential community services, such as cleanup events and newsletters, could continue without financial constraints.

The committee discussed the possibility of adjusting the funding split from a one-third to a fifty-fifty allocation between non-capital and capital funds. This adjustment would increase the total available funds for both categories, providing more resources for community projects while maintaining the integrity of capital expenditures.

Alderman Seville expressed the importance of these funds for enhancing community infrastructure and voiced concerns about the long-term implications of the proposed changes. He emphasized the need for careful management to prevent any loss of funds that could benefit constituents.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to bring these proposals to the next RAP (Resource Allocation Plan) committee meeting scheduled for January 9, 2026. The committee aims to refine the definitions and allocations further, ensuring that the city can effectively utilize its budget while meeting the needs of its residents. No formal action was taken during this meeting, but the discussions set the stage for future decisions regarding the city’s financial management.