Mayor John Bearrows announces he will not seek re-election

Council eliminates city food truck fees in split vote

City adopts long-term Energy Action Plan

Rochelle Municipal Airport secures $1.19 million grant for T-hangars

City finalizes agreement with BP for Well 8 improvements

Mayor John Bearrows announces he will not seek re-election

ROCHELLE, Ill. — It was announced that Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows will not run for re-election in April 2027, bringing an eventual end to a decade of public service on the city council. Bearrows has served two years as a council member and eight as mayor. The announcement cited a desire for the mayor to spend more time with his family following his current term, while noting a full commitment to mayoral duties through the final day in office and emphasizing that important work and difficult decisions still remain for the city's future.

Council eliminates city food truck fees in split vote

ROCHELLE, Ill. — The city council voted 6-1 to eliminate the city's $250 registration fee and local regulations for food trucks, deferring instead to Ogle County Health Department regulations. A dissenting vote was cast over concerns that an influx of food trucks could harm local brick-and-mortar restaurants that pay property and sales taxes. City Manager Zeke Jackson noted that only six food trucks registered last year and suggested the ordinance change could provide local restaurants an opportunity to launch their own mobile operations and co-promote at community events.

City adopts long-term Energy Action Plan

ROCHELLE, Ill. — The city council unanimously adopted the Rochelle Municipal Utilities Energy Action Plan, a guiding document intended to maintain reliable and affordable electric service from 2026 through 2050. Created in partnership with the University of Illinois' EnergySense Resilience Center, the plan outlines potential strategies including a 5-megawatt community solar system, power factor correction tariffs and energy efficiency programs for municipal facilities. Council members initially expressed hesitation about binding the city to massive infrastructure projects, but staff clarified that the plan acts strictly as a roadmap, and any specific expenditures or policy changes will require future council approval.

Rochelle Municipal Airport secures $1.19 million grant for T-hangars

ROCHELLE, Ill. — The city council authorized a grant agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration that will provide $1.19 million for the Rochelle Municipal Airport. The funds, which include $1.15 million in federal money, will cover eligible expenses for the construction of an eight-unit T-hangar project initially approved in December 2025. During the discussion, council members raised the future possibility of allowing private individuals to conditionally own or purchase individual hangars to reduce the city's financial risk in subsequent airport developments.

City finalizes agreement with BP for Well 8 improvements

ROCHELLE, Ill. — The city council approved a permitted facilities agreement with BP Midwest Product Pipelines Holdings LLC regarding ongoing improvements at the Well 8 property off Caron Road. The city recently constructed an asphalt pad and plans to install concrete bollards to restrict traffic near BP's pipeline right-of-way. Because the city's construction falls within 11 feet of the pipeline's centerline, the agreement serves as formal legal consent for the infrastructure.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us