Fox & Turkey Run Traffic Alert – Thanksgiving Morning 🦃
The 2025 Fox & Turkey Run takes place Thursday, Nov. 27. Expect increased pedestrian activity and traffic delays on Batavia’s northwest side 6:30–10:00 a.m.
🚧 Road impacts:
Full closure: Houston St between N. Island Ave & Route 31
Temporary interruptions at:
Route 31 @ Houston St
McKee St @ N. Van Nortwick Ave
North Ave @ N. Van Nortwick Ave
North Ave @ Blackhawk Dr
Race begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Batavia Riverwalk and includes a kids 1-mile run and 4-mile family run. This is an open road event — runners will share streets with vehicles. Please drive slowly and follow direction from safety personnel and volunteers.
📍 Full race route: https://thedriven.net/event-registration/site.event_reg/eid/73123236789?
Please plan extra travel time Thanksgiving morning.
Questions? Contact Deputy Chief Mike Johnson — (630) 454-2500.
The proposed budget outlines a financial plan to maintain high-quality police, fire, and municipal services, address rising costs, and support long-term community needs. Based on the 2024–2028 Strategic Action Plan, the proposal focuses on balancing fiscal responsibility with investments in public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life.
To maintain service levels as costs rise, the budget includes increases to the property tax rate and utility rates. Key staffing additions include two police officers and two firefighters to strengthen public safety and support the Fire Department’s transition to an Advanced Life Support Squad model, which responds to most emergency calls.
The budget also proposes setting aside funds for a future Police Department facility, supported in part by a 0.5% increase to the local home-rule sales tax to reduce future borrowing.
Proposed 2026 rate adjustments include:
• Property tax increase of 10 cents per $100 of EAV, with another 10-cent increase planned in 2027
• Electric rate increase of 3%, the first since 2015
• Water rate increase of 3% plus a small capital fee
• Sewer rate increase of 8% to support treatment plant upgrades
Residents are encouraged to attend the Nov. 18 public hearing at City Hall, 100 N. Island Ave. View the proposed budget at bataviail.gov/budget.
Residents and stakeholders are invited to learn more and share feedback at the upcoming South River Street Corridor Plan Open House:
📅 Wednesday, November 19, 2025
🕓 4:30–6:30 p.m.
📍 Batavia City Hall, City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave.
Following the Open House, the Plan Commission will hold a Public Hearing to gather formal public input on the Draft South River Street Corridor Plan:
🕖 7:00 p.m.
📍 Batavia City Hall, City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave.
For more information and to view the Draft Plan, visit bataviail.gov/southriver.
The Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry & Clothes Closet is celebrating the opening of its new, permanent home at 916 First Street with a Ribbon Cutting and Open House on Friday, Nov. 21, from 3–7 p.m. — and everyone is invited!
📍 Ribbon Cutting: 3 p.m. with Congresswoman Lauren Underwood
🏠 New Location: 916 First Street, Batavia
🅿️ Parking: Limited on-site; additional parking available on the 900 block of W. Wilson St.
This new 14,000-square-foot facility—made possible through a $3 million Community Project Funding Grant—offers expanded shopping, storage, and office space to better serve local families.
Guests are encouraged to help “pack the pantry” for the holidays by bringing shelf-stable food donations or gently used Batavia spirit wear.
Learn more about how you can donate or volunteer at bataviafoodpantry.org
• 7 p.m. — Special Committee of the Whole
Agenda includes resolutions authorizing emergency well repairs.
• Immediately Following — Special City Council Meeting
Agenda includes potential action on an ordinance regarding civil immigration enforcement on city property, and ordinances related to 2026 water, sanitary sewer, and electric rates.
Both meetings take place in City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave., and are open to the public.
For complete agendas, visit bataviail.gov/agendacenter.
Batavia’s leaf collection second round has begun:
📍 Schedule
• East side: Begins Monday, Nov. 3
• West side: Begins Monday, Nov. 10
• Weather permitting, a third pickup will occur Nov. 17 (east side) and Nov. 24 (west side)
🧹 How to Prepare
• Rake leaves to the parkway by 6 a.m. on your scheduled Monday
• Keep piles within 6 feet of the curb
• Arrange leaves in a long row for efficient pickup
🚫 What Not to Do
• Do not rake leaves into the street (blocks storm drains)
• Do not mix leaves with brush
🌧️ Collection occurs rain or shine
🔗 Track progress: bataviail.gov/leafcollection
📞 Questions? Call 630-454-2400
Agenda items include:
• A proclamation recognizing the life-saving efforts of a Batavia firefighter and a paramedic
• Recognition of the 20th anniversary of DS Containers
• A wastewater treatment plant project update
• Approvals for two annexation agreements
…and more.
Following the regular meeting, a special City Council Committee of the Whole meeting will be held to discuss the Brattle Group Draft Integrated Resource Plan.
📍 City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave.
📄 View both complete agendas: bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter
🌿 Join the Batavia Environmental Commission!
Are you passionate about protecting Batavia’s natural environment? The Batavia Environmental Commission is seeking new members.
The commission advises the Batavia City Council on environmental policy and works with the community to develop educational programs, events, and resources that promote sustainability and environmental awareness.
🕖 Meetings: 7 p.m., second Wednesday of each month
🏛️ Members: Seven Batavia residents appointed by Mayor Jeffery Schielke
Learn more about the commission ➡️ bataviail.gov/BEC
Apply online ➡️ bataviail.gov/forms/application-for-city-of-batavia-council-board-commission-members
Help shape a greener future for Batavia! 💚
Agenda highlights include:
✔️ Oath of Office for Bob White, 7th Ward Alderperson
✔️ Presentation from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
✔️ Quarterly report from the Batavia Environmental Commission
✔️ Additional items of city business
The meeting is open to the public. For the full agenda, visit 👉 bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter
The City of Batavia and Batavia Public Schools District 101 have installed four new Level 3 DC fast chargers at Batavia High School. These are the first public Level 3 chargers in Batavia and are available 24/7.
🔌 Charger Details
• 4 CCS1 ports
• Up to 240 kW (30–45 minutes for a full charge)
• $0.50 per kWh (pay by app or card)
• Idle fee applies after 30 minutes of inactivity
This project was made possible through a partnership between the City and District 101, with Batavia Electric Utility leading installation and maintenance. A second set of fast chargers is planned for the Batavia Public Library.
👉 Learn more about the City’s EV programs, including home charger rebates: bataviail.gov/electric
🚧 Construction & Infrastructure Updates – Sept. 30 🚧
Several projects are underway across Batavia:
• Towne Ave. & Bernadette Ln. – Asphalt patching through Oct. 3. Moderate noise and construction activity.
• S. Batavia Ave. near Bernadette Ln. – Restoration work begins this week. Expect periodic lane shifts and traffic disruptions.
• 300 block of N. Jefferson St. & 500 block of Illinois Ave. – Water service replacements ongoing. Moderate noise and construction disruptions expected.
• 500 block of S. Batavia Ave. – Emergency sewer repairs ongoing. Lane shifts and traffic disruptions continue.
• Downtown Sidewalk Improvements – Crews are replacing brick pavers with concrete sidewalks:
o Along the Fox River Path from the Wilson St. Bridge south to the pedestrian bridge to Clark Island
o On the east side of Route 31/Batavia Ave. from Houston St. south to Wilson St.
o Each project is expected to take about five days
o Temporary closures will affect:
The City parking lot on Shumway Ave.
Both pedestrian bridges on the west side of Clark Island
Lanes along Route 31
All businesses along these routes remain open during construction.
Thank you for your patience as crews complete these important improvements. Please use caution and plan extra time when traveling through work zones.
👩💼👨💼 Today, Sept. 26, we celebrate Human Resources Professionals Day and honor the dedicated staff of the City of Batavia Human Resources Department!
The HR team supports more than 200 full- and part-time employees who keep our community running smoothly. Their work includes:
Employee recruitment, relations, and performance management
Guidance on organizational policies and compliance with federal/state regulations
Benefits administration, compensation management, and personnel records retention
Labor relations, training, and professional development
👏 Thank you to our HR professionals for your commitment to supporting City staff and helping our organization best serve the residents of Batavia!
Starting Monday, Sept. 29 (weather permitting), crews will be replacing brick pavers with new concrete sidewalks in two areas of Downtown Batavia:
1️⃣ Fox River Path – From the Wilson Street Bridge south to the pedestrian bridge to Clark Island.
• Work expected to take five days.
• Closures: City parking lot along east side of Shumway Ave. + both pedestrian bridges on west side of Clark Island.
2️⃣ East Side of Route 31/Batavia Ave. – From Houston St. south to Wilson St.
• Work expected to take five days.
• Temporary lane closures will occur along Route 31.
✅ All businesses along these routes will remain open for normal operation.
Thank you for your patience as we continue investing in safe, accessible sidewalks for our community. 💛👟
From managing the City’s budget and payroll to utility billing and financial reporting, their work ensures our community’s resources are used efficiently and effectively.
👏 Thank you to our Finance team for your dedication and service to Batavia!
From managing the City’s budget and payroll to utility billing and financial reporting, their work ensures our community’s resources are used efficiently and effectively.
👏 Thank you to our Finance team for your dedication and service to Batavia!
The department is made up of two divisions:
📌 Finance & Accounting
This division manages the collection, monitoring, and disbursement of City funds. Their responsibilities include:
Compiling the City’s budget
Coordinating the annual audit & creating audited financial statements
Managing accounts receivable/payable, payroll, purchase orders
Investing idle funds & coordinating debt issuance
Preparing the annual property tax levy
As stewards of public funds, their mission is to ensure efficient and effective use of every dollar.
📌 Utility Billing
The City of Batavia provides electric, water, and wastewater services. The Utility Billing team ensures accurate, timely billing and collection for all residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
👏 Thank you to our Finance Department staff for your dedication, professionalism, and service to the community!
Throughout the week we'll be sharing some of the Finance Department's 2024 achievements.
Since 1866, the department has been dedicated to protecting lives and property, providing fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services to the residents of Batavia, as well as the surrounding Batavia Township and Countryside Fire Protection District.
👨🚒 About the Department
The Batavia Fire Department is staffed by:
25 full-time firefighters
12 full-time paramedics
27 part-time personnel
On-duty staff are stationed at two locations, ensuring a quick and professional response whenever our community needs them.
🙏 Thank you to the men and women of the Batavia Fire Department for 159 years of service, bravery, and commitment to our community.
🚧 Utility Work Alerts – Issued Sept. 17 🚧
🔹 Emergency Sewer Work
300 block of McKee Street
📅 Begins Wed., Sept. 17 – expected to last 2 days
⚠️ Expect delays; avoid the area if possible.
🔹 Water Utility Work
400 block of McKee Street
📅 Begins Wed., Sept. 17 – expected to last 2 days
⚠️ Expect delays; avoid the area if possible.
🔹 Water Service Replacements
200 block of N. Lincoln Street
📅 Begins Fri., Sept. 19 – expected to last 3–4 days
⚠️ Moderate noise and construction disruptions expected.
🔹 Landscape Restorations
East Wilson Street
📅 Begins Thurs., Sept. 18 – expected to last 3 days
⚠️ Expect delays; avoid the area if possible
Thank you for your patience while crews complete this important work.
