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Minutes - Budget Committee - 20251110 Town of Aurora Budget Committee Meeting Report Date: Time: Location: Monday, November 10, 2025 6 p.m. Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair) Councillor Ron Weese Councillor Rachel Gilliland (arrived at 6:09 p.m.) Councillor Wendy Gaertner Councillor Michael Thompson (arrived at 6:16 p.m.) Councillor John Gallo Councillor Harold Kim Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of Finance Jason Gaertner, Manager, Financial Management Michael de Rond, Town Clerk Julia Shipcott, Council/Committee Coordinator _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. 2. Land Acknowledgement The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on Anishinaabe lands, the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island, recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day, the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this territory, and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of these lands and waters. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the Budget Committee Meeting Minutes November 10, 2025 2 Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams Treaties of 1923. 3. Approval of the Agenda Budget Committee approved the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services. 4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50. 5. Delegations 5.1 Cathy Williams, Chair and Lynne Logan, Treasurer, Aurora Farmers' Market (AFM); Re: Funding Assistance Budget Committee consented to permit additional time for the delegation. Cathy Williams, Chair, Aurora Farmers' Market (AFM) presented a brief overview of their funding request, providing current statistics on vendors, volunteers, attendees, sponsors and special events. A plan to change the board's structure from staffing to governance was outlined, as was the suggestion to hire a Market Coordinator, Seasonal Support Assistant and Operations Coordinator to resolve current staffing and logistics shortfalls. Lynne Logan, Treasurer was also in attendance. Budget Committee received the comments of the delegation for information. 5.2 Phiona Durrant, Aurora Black Community Association (ABC); Re: Annual Update on ABC and Black History Celebration Phiona Durrant, President, and Jodi-Ann Morrison, Acting Vice President, Aurora Black Community Association presented an overview of the association's funding request, including highlights of 2025 programs, events and partnerships that facilitated investments with local vendors, artists and young entrepreneurs. Also outlined were 2025 revenues and expenditures and 2026 budget figures. Budget Committee Meeting Minutes November 10, 2025 3 Budget Committee received the comments of the delegation for information. 5.3 Shawn Deane, Resident; Re: Items 6.1.1, 6.1.2 and 6.1.5 Budget Committee consented to permit additional time for the delegation. Shawn Deane spoke to concerns with the proposed 2026 departmental operating budget including surplus not being applied to the tax levy, similar purchasing requests that were outlined in both 2025 and 2026 budgets, and project deferrals. Budget Committee received and referred the comments of the delegation to items 6.1.1, 6.1.2 and 6.1.5. 6. Consideration of Items 6.1 2026 Operating Budget - Community Partner Business Plans and Presentations 6.1.1 Central York Fire Services (Binder Tab 14) Rocco Volpe, Fire Chief, Central York Fire Services presented an overview of the Fire Services 2026 Budget submission including the operating budget and 2026-2027 capital budget. Andrea Tang, Director, Financial Services, Town of Newmarket was also present. Budget Committee recommends: 1. That the Central York Fire Services presentation be received for information. Carried 6.1.2 Aurora Historical Society (Binder Tab 15) Budget Committee consented to permit additional time for the delegation. Geoffrey Dawe, Co-Chair, Kathleen Vahey, Curator/Manager, and Daniel McGeown, Treasurer, Aurora Historical Society presented an Budget Committee Meeting Minutes November 10, 2025 4 overview of the board's funding request including programs and events, visitors, partnerships, exhibitions, key performance indicators, and fundraising avenues successfully realized in 2025. Ongoing funding, volunteer and restoration challenges were outlined, as were audited financial figures from 2021-2024, projected 2025 expenses and revenues, 2026 goals and financial forecasts through to 2028. Also noted was a capital funding request for urgent remediation to the foundation of Hillary House. Tim McCutcheon, Director was also in attendance. Budget Committee recommends: 1. That the Aurora Historical Society presentation be received for information. Carried 6.1.3 Aurora Sports Hall of Fame (Binder Tab 15) Javed S. Khan, President and Director, and Brian Roberts, Treasurer, Aurora Sports Hall of Fame (ASHoF) presented an overview of the board's funding request including their vision and mission, 2025 community outreach initiatives and programs, key performance indicators, expenditures and revenue streams. Also outlined were 2026 objectives and budget forecast, planned launches of the board's annual mental health initiative and Call to Action 87 campaigns, and expansion of ASHoF office space. Budget Committee recommends: 1. That the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame presentation be received for information. Carried 6.1.4 Aurora Public Library (Binder Tab 15) Lauren Hanna, Board Chair, provided an introduction and Jodi Marr, Chief Executive Officer, Aurora Public Library (APL) presented an overview of the board's funding request and provided measured social returns on investment of the value of programs, services, Budget Committee Meeting Minutes November 10, 2025 5 technology and space access provided by APL. 2025 highlights were outlined including the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex's Browse and Borrow book kiosk, Library of Things and Discovery Pass collections, circulation of physical and digital resources, in- person and virtual programming, use of the creative studio, partnerships with local community and cultural organizations, educational supports and study room usage, newcomer assistance, library visits and membership and APL programming in Aurora Town Square. Budget pressures were shared, as was the 2026 operating budget. Julie Rocca, Business Manager, was also present. Budget Committee recommends: 1. That the Aurora Public Library presentation be received for information. Carried 6.1.5 Aurora Cultural Centre (Binder Tab 15) Mary Ann McConkey, Board President, provided an introduction and Suzanne Haines, Executive Director, Aurora Cultural Centre presented the board's funding request, introduced their new vision, mission and core values, and outlined their 2025 program overview which included new professional development programs, social and educational events, outreach activities, audited administrative versus programming expenses, key performance indicators, and a 2025 financial summary. Additionally noted were the 2026 operating budget and objectives. Budget Committee recommends: 1. That the Aurora Cultural Centre presentation be received for information. Carried 7. Other Business Budget Committee Meeting Minutes November 10, 2025 6 Councillor Gilliland inquired about the location of consultant fees within the Budget Binder that are associated with a re-evaluation of Council's compensation occurring in 2026 for the next term of office, and staff provided a response. Councillor Gallo inquired about the process and timing of budget amendments occurring at the Special Meeting of Council on November 17, 2025, and the Mayor provided a response. 8. Adjournment That the meeting be adjourned at 8:27 p.m.