In an effort to help balance next year’s budget, the Aurora City Council has approved a plan that allows certain city employees to get eight week’s pay and benefits in exchange for leaving their job.

Officials have been saying for months that the city’s 2026 budget, which is set to be released publicly for the first time this week, is facing a significant deficit. Earlier in the budget process, the projected difference between revenue and expenses was said to be roughly $30 million , not taking into account new requests from departments or certain potential pay increases.

The “2025 Voluntary Reduction In Force Incentive Plan” approved by City Council at a meeting on Tuesday looks to lower that budget deficit, which Mayor John Laesch said at the meeting is now down to around $2.5 mi

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