The Aurora City Council voted to authorize a voluntary reduction-in-force (VERIF) program designed to offer departing employees a softer landing amid the city’s projected 2026 budget shortfall.

On a roll-call vote, the council approved an ordinance authorizing a voluntary program that would provide participating employees eight weeks of cash severance and maintain health insurance for eight weeks; the program, if taken, would be offered during a defined window and is budgeted from 2025 funds.

City staff said the program is an effort to reduce personnel costs while avoiding more abrupt layoffs. Council members and union representatives pressed staff for clarity about timing, unit coverage and the program’s impact on services and the 2026 budget.

Key points: The council authorized opening the VERIF window beginning Oct. 15 and running through Oct. 31, with departures to be scheduled on or before Dec. 1 so most costs remain in the 2025 budget year. Human Resources said the offer is available to non‑Medicare and to bargaining-unit employees if unions agree; the administration was scheduled to meet remaining bargaining units to finalize labor details.

City HR and operations staff told the council that if uptake is insufficient, additional actions to close the remaining budget gap could be necessary — including furloughs, layoffs or capital adjustments. Staff emphasized the VERIF is intended to be a last‑softening option and that the administration will continue to seek non‑personnel reductions and alternative revenues.

Vote and outcome: The ordinance authorizing the voluntary reduction-in-force (agenda item 25-07-56) passed on a roll-call vote 8 yes, 3 no. Supporters argued the program preserves essential services by reducing personnel costs in a less disruptive way; opponents warned the measure may not yield sufficient savings and expressed concern about leaving critical public-safety or core services understaffed.

City staff said they will present results of the enrollment window and any recommended next steps as the budget process continues; union discussions scheduled for the coming days will determine whether and how specific bargaining units participate.