The hiring of a new lawyer for Aurora’s legal department was narrowly approved by the City Council at its meeting Tuesday after sparking a debate about hiring practices amid the city’s budget crisis.

Aurora Mayor John Laesch has said the city is facing a nearly $30 million shortfall in the 2026 budget, which is currently being developed. One of the ways Laesch is working to bridge that gap is by putting in place what he has called a “hiring slushie,” as opposed to a full hiring freeze.

That means the city is not hiring any new employees, even for currently-open positions or positions that become empty when an employee leaves, unless first approved by the mayor’s office, Laesch has said.

Aurora’s Corporation Council Yordana Wysocki said at Tuesday’s meeting that she’s looking to bring in

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