North Aurora trustees set $3.024 million tax-levy estimate, approve budget moves and development permits

On Nov. 3, 2025, the North Aurora Village Board voted to publish an estimated 2025 tax levy of $3,024,200 to trigger the municipality’s truth-in-taxation notice, approved internal budget adjustments including a $1,117,510 timing increase in the waterworks fund related to the water-tower project, granted a sign variance for a martial-arts business at 728 Butterfield Road and approved rezoning and final platting for the Deer Path subdivision. The board also approved a Class G liquor license for a gas station called Gas and Wash.

Jason, village staff, told trustees the levy estimate reflects a 2.5% consumer-price-index increase plus new construction and said, “This would result in a levy request of $3,024,200.” He said the village plans a public notice around Nov. 21 and will return a final levy ordinance for adoption on Dec. 1, and that the board will hold public hearings for three special-service areas—Timber Oaks, Pine Creek and Willow Lakes—each of which staff said increased by 5% from last year.

The levy discussion included a trustee defense of using the levy to sustain employee retirement obligations. Trustee Gaitley said the levy supports the village’s pension obligations for police and other staff, adding, “This is how you back to blue. You support their pension plans.” The board approved publishing the levy estimate (recorded roll-call votes show one recorded No and the remaining trustees present voting Yes).

On the budget amendment, Jason described three components: internal reallocations in the general fund to cover audit adjustments (no net budget increase), an offsetting revenue and expenditure presentation for a developer note in the United TIF fund, and a $1,117,510 increase in the waterworks fund tied to timing and late invoices for the water-tower project. Jason said some police costs—overtime and retirement payouts—were part of the year’s overages, which the amendment addresses by moving funds between departments. Trustees approved the fourth budget amendment by roll call.

On development matters, the board granted final approval of a sign variance for a business at 728 Butterfield Road; staff said the proposed sign totals 51 square feet, 22.5 square feet over code, and recommended approval. The board also approved a map amendment rezoning the Deer Path property to E-3, a special use for a planned unit development and a final plat creating five developable southern lots while retaining the northern lot with the existing house; both motions carried on roll-call votes.

For liquor licensing, the board approved a Class G license for Gas and Wash, which allows the sale of packaged beer and wine at gas stations. The clerk’s roll call recorded one dissenting vote from Trustee Christiansen and approvals from the trustees remaining.

In other business, the mayor thanked public-works crews for recent leaf collection and praised the village’s family-oriented Halloween events. The police chief announced a swearing-in for Officer Stone Carpenter and noted that the K-9 Atlas recently assisted Aurora on a drug stop; Officer Majeris was named as participating in the assistance. The meeting adjourned after a final motion.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda: approved (roll-call yes votes recorded from trustees present). - Tax-levy estimate (to notice): motion passed (recorded votes: Trustees Salazar, Christiansen, Gaitley and Lowery Yes; Trustee recorded No). The board will publish notice and hold a hearing ahead of a Dec. 1 final ordinance vote. - Fourth budget amendment: approved (roll-call Yes votes by trustees present). Includes a $1,117,510 timing adjustment in the waterworks fund tied to the water-tower project. - Sign variance, 728 Butterfield Road: approved (51 sq ft sign; 22.5 sq ft over code). - Deer Path rezoning, special use and final plat: approved. - Liquor license, Gas and Wash (Class G): approved (one No recorded from Trustee Christiansen).

What happens next: The village will publish truth-in-taxation notice on the proposed levy and hold public hearings for the listed SSAs; the board will return a final levy ordinance for action on Dec. 1. Other approvals take immediate administrative effect as permitted by village procedure.