The City of Batavia is hiring Public Works Seasonal Workers to help keep our community looking great and running smoothly.
Seasonal workers support the Streets, Public Properties & Services, and Water divisions with tasks like mowing, landscaping, cemetery and facility maintenance, and assisting with water system operations such as hydrant flushing and painting.
🕖 Schedule: Typically Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
💵 Pay: $17.00 per hour
✅ Requirements: Must be 18+, have a high school diploma or GED, and a valid Illinois driver’s license.
If you enjoy working outdoors and want to be part of a great team this summer, we’d love to hear from you!
👉 Learn more and apply here: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/B69B54B12BAECDF7830950045E82C9A3/jobs/59943
The City of Batavia is once again offering residents the opportunity to purchase a parkway tree, supporting reforestation and a healthy, diverse urban forest. Each year, the City selects locally grown, high-quality tree species well suited for Batavia’s parkways.
Thanks to funding from the City’s Non-Reusable Bag Fee, trees are available at a discounted rate, which includes the tree, professional planting, and mulch. Due to high demand, each address is limited to one tree per request period.
🌱 Available species include Swamp White Oak, Marmo Freeman Maple, Jefferson Elm, American Hornbeam, China Snow Peking Lilac, Eastern Redbud, and Chinkapin Oak.
👉 Learn more and submit a request at https://www.bataviail.gov/o/pw/page/parkway-tree-program
The Batavia City Council Committee of the Whole meets at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10. Agenda items include approval for the Residences at River Pointe Development, continued discussion on implementing contractor registration, and project status updates. The meeting is in Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave. and is open to the public. For a complete agenda, visit https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=247
The Batavia City Council meets at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 2. Agenda items include a proclamation to recognize Black History Month; annexation and zoning for Thompson Farm; and, a redevelopment agreement for 190 S. Water St. (the former Pamarco location). For a complete agenda visit https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=199
The City of Batavia has several exciting career opportunities for 2026. Whether you're a student looking to explore how a city works behind the scenes or a seasoned professional ready to make an impact, we have a role for you:
✨ Community Engagement Intern (Summer 2026)
A hands-on opportunity for upper-level undergrads or grad students to dive into city operations, create public-facing content, and help tell Batavia’s story.
🛠️ Civil Engineer
Lead and support major public improvement projects, enforce development standards, and help shape Batavia’s future infrastructure.
📐 Engineering Assistant
Support inspections, design, GIS, surveying, and project work in our Public Works Department. Ideal for those growing in the engineering field.
🚓🔥 Public Safety Management Analyst
A brand-new role supporting both Police and Fire with data analysis, project management, reporting, and program development.
👉 Learn more about each position—including qualifications, salary, benefits, and deadlines—and apply at:
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/B69B54B12BAECDF7830950045E82C9A3/career-page
Join us and help shape Batavia’s future! 💛🏘️
The City of Batavia offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. If you need to contact the City Monday, call 630-454-2500. The Batavia City Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20.
The Batavia City Council Committee of the Whole meets at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13., City Council Chambers, 100 N. Island Ave.
Topics include:
• Adoption of the South River Street Corridor Plan
• Discussion of the feasibility study for a pedestrian and bicycle crossing near Randall Road and Main Street
• Additional City business
View the full agenda here: https://bataviail.community.highbond.com/Portal/
Today is the last day to share your input on Batavia’s preliminary Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) — the long-term roadmap that guides how our community plans for reliable, affordable electricity over the next 20 years.
The draft IRP is based on expert analysis from The Brattle Group and local survey feedback from residents who identified reliability and affordability as top priorities. Now we need your voice before the comment period closes tonight.
🔗 Review the plan & submit comments: bataviail.gov/electricstudy
Your feedback will help shape future decisions about electric supply, infrastructure investments, and programs that support Batavia’s energy future. Thanks for being part of the process. ⚡️
Overnight parking will be allowed on Batavia streets from the night of Dec. 24th through the morning of Dec. 28th. 🎄✨
Please note: overnight parking restrictions will resume on the evening of Dec. 28th.
However, if there is a forecast of 2 or more inches of snow at any time, parking on the roadway will be prohibited to ensure safe snow removal. ❄️🚫
Stay safe and enjoy the holiday season! 🌟🎉
Good news: With the weather forecast no longer calling for snow or ice, the City of Batavia Public Works Department will resume its final scheduled leaf pickup.
🗓 Collection resumes Monday, Dec. 29
Crews will begin on streets that were not collected earlier due to November weather events.
To see which streets are included and to track daily progress starting Dec. 29, view the leaf collection map here:
👉 https://cobil.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Viewer/index.html?appid=194da4d5fabe464e8345453045d1be0c
For details, visit https://www.bataviail.gov/o/pw/page/leaf-collection
Also, Groot will still pick up bagged leaves without a sticker through Dec. 30.
Thank you for your patience as crews complete the final round of leaf collection!
The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Advisory for dangerously cold wind chills this evening through early Monday morning, December 15. Wind chills are expected to dip below zero, and exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as 30 minutes.
To help keep residents safe, the City of Batavia has opened a Temporary Warming Center for elderly residents, families with young children, and other vulnerable individuals.
📍 Warming Center Location:
Batavia Police Department
100 N. Island Ave.
Please check in at the front desk upon arrival.
ℹ️ Please note: The Warming Center does not provide sleeping accommodations, hygiene or washing facilities, or food storage.
Extreme cold can be especially dangerous for seniors, infants and young children, people with disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions. Please check on neighbors, friends, and relatives, limit time outdoors, and dress in warm layers, including hats and gloves.
📞 Questions? Call the Batavia Police Department at 630-454-2500.
Stay warm and stay safe, Batavia.
The red dots on the map below? Those are all 2,143 fire hydrants in Batavia. And, if each one takes about 3 minutes to dig out after a snowfall… that’s 107 hours of shoveling. 😅
We’d much rather keep those hours focused on clearing your streets.
That’s where you come in. ❄️❤️
If there’s a hydrant on or near your property, please give it a quick shovel when it snows. It makes a huge difference. Every minute counts during a fire, and firefighters need to spot and reach hydrants fast.
• Hidden hydrants take extra precious minutes to find.
• Snow-packed hydrants make it harder to attach hoses.
• Quick access = quicker water flow when it matters most.
Thanks for being great neighbors and helping keep Batavia safe all winter long.🚒❄️💙
The Batavia City Council Committee of the Whole meets Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. Agenda items include several 2025 tax levy ordinances, a resolution approving a lease with Albright Community Theatre, and more. Immediately before that meeting, at 6 p.m., the City will host a public meeting on its preliminary Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), a long-term strategy for reliable and affordable electric service.
The IRP is open for public comment through Dec. 30, 2025. Learn more at bataviail.gov/electricstudy.
Things to watch for include:
• Snow placed in handicapped parking stalls, on sidewalks, or on ramps
• Snow piled around fire hydrants
• Snow pushed onto City rights-of-way, sidewalks, or alleys
• Snow piled too high at intersections, blocking visibility for drivers
Your cooperation helps keep our community safe for everyone—thank you, Batavia!
Scammers are now using artificial intelligence to create extremely convincing messages, emails, and even voice calls that sound like someone you know. These scams can mimic:
• Family members asking for urgent help
• Banks or delivery services requesting account info
• Employers or coworkers “needing” quick assistance
• Police, government agencies, or utility companies demanding payment
AI makes these scams look and sound shockingly real, so even cautious people can be caught off-guard.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
🔍 Pause before responding. If something feels rushed or unusual, take a moment to verify.
📞 Call the person or business directly using a trusted number—not the one that contacted you.
💬 Be skeptical of urgent requests, especially for money, gift cards, wire transfers, or personal information.
🔗 Avoid clicking unexpected links or attachments. They may lead to fake websites designed to steal your information.
🔒 Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts whenever possible.
If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, or if something doesn’t feel quite right, reach out to the Batavia Police Department. We’re here to help keep you safe.
Stay alert, Batavia—and share this to help protect your friends and family!
During a snowstorm, crews focus first on primary streets to keep major routes safe and passable. We try our best to get through every street once during the storm, but when snowfall is heavy, that’s not always possible. Once primary streets are cleared to bare pavement, crews then move to secondary streets and continue working until the full network is plowed.
The Batavia Street Division maintains 117 miles of streets, 168 cul-de-sacs, 14 public parking lots, two cemeteries, and select downtown sidewalks throughout the snow season. Crews respond day or night based on storm conditions to keep the community safe.
A few quick reminders to help snow removal go smoothly:
🚫 Parking is not allowed on streets when snowfall is 2 inches or more
🚫 Do not shovel or blow snow into the street
🚶♂️ Keep sidewalks, driveways, and mailboxes clear when possible
🗑️ Place refuse and recycling carts off the road on collection days
⚠️ Never attempt to pass an active snowplow
ℹ️ For full details on snow operations, street-clearing priorities, mailbox policies, parkway repairs, safety tips, and more, visit bataviail.gov/snowremoval
Thank you for helping keep our community safe this winter. ❄️🚛
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.
