Sycamore has signed an agreement with an aviation supply company that will bring the city $30,000 in additional monthly tax revenue.

American Aviation Supply, a supplier of jet fuel for American Airlines, will bring the city at least $30,000 a month, or $360,000 a year, in new sales tax revenue, said city manager Bill Nicklas.

The council has not yet decided what to do with the newfound revenue.

American Airlines hopes the office will open by January 2005, said Robert Glenn, American Airline’s senior manager of transaction taxes. The office will purchase fuel, much of which is diverted to O’Hare International Airport.

Glenn said Sycamore’s small but active atmosphere attracted the airline. The company’s amicable discussions with Sycamore officials also influenced the company’s decision, he said.

American Airlines is “working feverishly” to have the office set up by the new year, Glenn said.

While city officials worked on this lucrative deal, volunteer organizations and trick-or-treaters have been preparing for the city’s annual Pumpkin Fest.

Sycamore Mayor John Swedberg said the town grows from 12,000 to 100,000 people on Halloween and the trend dates back 15 years. The festival is Illinois’ third largest celebration, he said.

The newly proclaimed Make a Difference Day, a day to honor local volunteerism, will be a good way to kick off Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, Swedberg said.

The holiday’s timing is “apropos” since the festival is an event run by volunteers, Swedberg said.

The festival is a “pat on the back for volunteers” and is their “time for major philanthropy,” Swedberg said. Many organizations rely on the festival as a revenue source for their yearly budgets.

In other news, the council unanimously voted to expand the Grand Victorian Assisted Living Residence, 1440 Somonauk St., from 61 suites to 81.

The state-licensed facility provides non-nursing care for elderly people requiring help with daily activities such as dressing and grooming.

There was “an additional need in the community,” said Steve Kaufman, a Grand Victorian spokesperson.