The Aurora Board of Trustees holds a public hearing on its 2025-26 budget and the status of the water plant that supplies the village, which was previously operated by Wells College.
AURORA — The village board on Tuesday passed the 2025-26 budget, but will need to hold another special meeting to set the water rates for the next year.
The proposed budget was $619,423, a 20.62% reduction from last year. The cuts included funding for the Aurora Free Library and other community services. The board also removed 3% raises for its staff.
Raises were included in the final budget after the village board voted to amend the proposal. The board also agreed to give full-time status to Christine Tanner, who serves as the village treasurer, which will ensure she receives benefits.
The main issue in this budget season, though, was the village's acquisition of the water plant from Wells College. The college owned and operated the water plant for the last century. After its closure last year, it will gift the facility to the village, which has been running it since October.
The water fund portion of the village's budget will rise from $118,100 to $327,600. The 177% increase will require the village to raise water rates.
There has been discussion about the water rates, including one during the brief meeting Tuesday. Trustee Janet Murphy supports adjusting the commercial rate and raising it on short-term rentals in the village.Â
Although the homes are in a residential zone, they are operating as businesses.Â
"I think that might be a good thing to pursue," Murphy said.
The special meeting on water rates has not been scheduled, but it's expected to occur before May 21.
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 664-4631 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on X @RobertHarding.
The Aurora Board of Trustees holds a public hearing on its 2025-26 budget and the status of the water plant that supplies the village, which was previously operated by Wells College.
