Aurora council adopts 2025 budget; tax rate falls while homeowners face small increase

The Aurora City Council on Dec. 3, 2024 approved an ordinance adopting the city's annual budget for the 2025 fiscal year, 10-2, after a public hearing held under 65 ILCS 5/8-2-9.1. The ordinance (240886) adopts the budget for the fiscal year beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and ending Dec. 31, 2025.

City Chief Financial Officer Chris Minnick told the council that the tax rate is expected to fall roughly 1.1 percent, but that rising property valuations mean an average homeowner will likely see a small increase in their bill. "We estimate that, over the course of the year, that would be about $87 for a home valued at $300,000," Minnick said during the hearing.

Why it matters: the council's budget sets spending and levies for police, fire, public works and parks for 2025. Council discussion centered on the interplay between the lower rate and higher assessed values, and on required pension contributions that increase the city's levy obligations.

Key details and council discussion

- Statutory basis and hearing: The public hearing was conducted under 65 ILCS 5/8-2-9.1, the Illinois statute governing municipal budget hearings, and staff presented the ordinance that would adopt the annual budget in…