Aurora City Council: 2026 Budget, Sea World Clock, and Renaissance Park Concerns

AURORA, Ohio – Aurora City Council moved through a heavy legislative agenda Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, officially adopting the city’s 2026 budget, confirming a slate of department head reappointments, and approving a loan agreement to bring a piece of local history—a former Sea World clock—to Geauga Lake Park. The evening also featured pointed testimony from a Renaissance Park resident regarding unfulfilled promises of walking trails and ongoing issues with stormwater management.2026 Budget and Development ApprovalsCouncil gave final approval to the city’s 2026 annual budget and appropriations following its third reading. Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin requested support for the document, noting it reflects significant projects and opportunities the administration and council have collaborated on over the past year.In development news, council adopted a revised development plan for Walden Company Limited and granted a 100%, 15-year tax abatement to Lynx Packaging Inc. to facilitate construction under the city’s Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) program.Historic Sea World Clock and Park ImprovementsA unique piece of nostalgia is headed to Geauga Lake Park following the approval of a loan agreement for a historic clock formerly located at Sea World. Law Director Dean DePiero explained that a private individual in possession of the clock approached the city with the offer. While the exact placement within the park is still being determined, officials described the clock as a "very nice amenity" for the area.The city also moved to revitalize its Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP). Finance Director Timothy Clymer noted the program, which provides home-improvement loans to qualifying low-income residents and seniors, had been dormant since 2016. Council approved a $10,770 loan for a property on Bryce Avenue, utilizing a revolving fund that currently holds approximately $207,000.Renaissance Park Residents Raise ConcernsDuring the public comment portion of the meeting, a resident of Renaissance Park expressed frustration over what she described as a disconnect between marketing promises and current conditions. She stated that signage for the development promised woodlands and walking trails, but recent clearing and grading on a hill near the neighborhood entrance appeared to eliminate those features.The resident also highlighted ongoing stormwater runoff issues and expressed concern that the lack of promised amenities and the "barren" appearance of the entrance were negatively impacting property values.Planning Director Denise Januska confirmed that engineering staff is working on the stormwater issues and that a revised grading plan was recently reviewed. Regarding the trails, Law Director DePiero explained that while a 2019 concept plan included paths, the city is currently waiting for a transfer of roughly 100 acres of parkland from the developer, targeted for July. Once the city takes control of that land, officials intend to explore a robust trail system that may connect to the recently purchased rail line.Department Leadership and PersonnelThe meeting served as a formal confirmation of the city’s leadership team, with council passing emergency resolutions to reappoint several key directors and chiefs through 2029:Police Chief: Brian ByardFire Chief: Matthew McBirneyFinance Director: Timothy ClymerLaw Director: Dean DePieroPublic Services Director: Harry StarkParks and Recreation Director: Laura HolmanPlanning, Zoning, and Building Director: Denise JanuskaPersonnel Director/Chief of Staff: Karen PopeEconomic Development Director: Holly Harris BaneAdditionally, council approved the hire of Steven Snyder as a part-time firefighter/EMT and authorized a 4% across-the-board pay increase for unclassified, non-union, exempt staff for 2026.Mayor’s Report and Community NotesMayor Womer Benjamin reminded residents that the city’s snowman contest continues through February, with entries accepted via the Parks and Recreation website. She also announced that two firefighter-paramedics, Michael Upholds and Michael Gallardi, will be recognized on Feb. 4 for their lifesaving actions during an emergency incident at Hillcrest Hospital.