Council unanimously approves Dearborn County to handle MS4 permitting through 2026

A majority of Aurora’s council voted unanimously to amend an interlocal agreement with Dearborn County Planning and Zoning to have the county handle MS4 (municipal separate storm sewer system) permitting for the town through Dec. 31, 2026.

Staff told council the county’s planning office agreed to perform permitting work without charge during that trial period so it can measure the workload and return with a pricing proposal for 2027 if continued service is desired. Council members were told the county already maintains an MS4 director and has capacity to manage permitting under the existing interlocal framework.

The amendment was moved, seconded and approved during the meeting; the record shows the vote passed unanimously. Staff described the arrangement as essentially limited to permitting administration: permit applications will still be routed through Aurora’s planning process and the county will handle the technical permitting step.

Council members asked clarifying questions about data flow and responsibility for information collection; staff said the city retains responsibility for local review and enforcement and that the county’s role is to perform the technical permitting function. No costs were committed for 2026; any fee for 2027 would be negotiated and presented to council before implementation.

The amendment is intended to streamline MS4 permitting while Aurora’s staff and the county evaluate long-term staffing and budget impacts.