Aldermanic office proposes targeted increases in 2025 budget for training, travel and outreach

Rich Jacobs, chief of staff for the Office of the Alderman, presented the aldermanic officeproposed 2025 budget to the Aurora Finance Committee on Oct. 18, saying the office had updated several line items to expand training, conference travel and outreach supplies.

Jacobs said the education and training line (previously $10,000) was increased to $20,000 to cover conference attendance and training. He described the allocation as covering up to one night of lodging if "all 12 of you decide you wanna go" to a conference, and said the line also covers Illinois Municipal League lobby day expenses. Jacobs also identified a new $3,000 staff-training line intended to ensure more regular training opportunities for office staff.

Alex Alexander, the city's chief management officer, clarified how membership costs are apportioned across departments and noted that some membership or subscription charges previously included in the aldermanic line may be budgeted elsewhere. Alexander said the proposed changes result in a $10,000 increase on one line and additional adjustments on others, and urged reliance on historical attendance patterns when budgeting for conferences.

Other adjustments Jacobs highlighted included increasing the "bridal and meetings" line (used for gala tickets and similar costs) from $1,500 to $1,900, and raising the promotional materials line from $6,000 to $10,000 to restock outreach supplies used at community meetings and national night out events. Jacobs said the office had used all remaining legacy outreach items and needed to restock.

Committee members asked for clarity on how membership fees versus travel and lodging were being apportioned among lines, and Jacob and Alexander agreed to ensure the total between related training and membership lines remained within the overall proposed allocation. Alderman Jeremy Midlak and other members described conferences they had attended and the value of networking with officials from comparable cities.

During the discussion Aldermanic priorities were also raised: member stipends, initiative funds and the sources of aldermanic initiative revenues. One alderman noted the current initiative allotment is $75,000, established in 2009, and said the council would revisit that amount during the budget process; Jacobs did not present a formal motion on that point.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the aldermanic office item; the presentation closed as the meeting moved to other administrative budget items.