AURORA, Ill. (WGN) — The firefighters’ union in Illinois’ second-largest city claims the mayor’s office is risking public safety in its proposed budget by cutting nearly 20 firefighter positions.The mayor says the numbers don’t tell the complete story, however.
An “unnecessary risk” is how Aurora Firefighters Local 99 described the proposed 2026 city budget and its cuts to the fire department, including the loss of 18 firefighters, one training officer, and the removal of two ladder trucks from service.
Aurora Mayor John Laesch faces a $35 million budget hole in his first year in office.
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“We feel that we’re operating at a very safe level,” Laesch said, noting that every department is seeing a 10 to 20 percent cut, except police and fire, which the mayor noted are both seeing more minor 4 percent cuts…