Council approves municipal utility tax increase over single dissent

City addresses rising property tax bills, plans informational meeting

City to host town hall for local business owners

Downtown to host sidewalk sales and grand opening event

New all-way stop established at Main Street and Fifth Avenue

Speed limit increased on Creston Road following upgrades

City urges caution on rural roads during planting season

Council approves change order for Well 8 following motor failure

City adds $178,000 in street resurfacing to 14th Street project

Fire department approved for new $48,000 pickup truck

Council approves municipal utility tax increase over single dissent

ROCHELLE, IL - The Rochelle City Council approved an ordinance to increase and extend municipal utility taxes through December 2032 by a 6-1 vote, with one dissenting vote. Beginning in January 2027, the measure will increase the electricity tax by approximately 20 percent — raising average residential bills by $1.34 per month and industrial bills by $7,500 per month — and increase the gas tax by 1.5 percent. Proponents argued the hikes are necessary to keep pace with annual infrastructure construction costs, which rise between 3 percent and 15 percent each year. The dissenting opinion cited the current burden of rising property taxes on residents and questioned the necessity of approving an increase two years before the current ordinance expires.

City addresses rising property tax bills, plans informational meeting

ROCHELLE, IL - Community concerns regarding rising property tax bills were addressed during the council report, noting that while some residents saw their overall tax bills increase by 7 percent to 10 percent, the city's specific portion of the tax rate actually decreased. The city accounts for approximately 10 percent of the total local tax bill. Plans were announced to host an informational town hall meeting at City Hall in the near future to help residents understand how property assessments are calculated and where their tax dollars are allocated.

City to host town hall for local business owners

ROCHELLE, IL - The city will host a town hall meeting for current and prospective business owners on Tuesday, May 19, at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers. The event is designed to open a dialogue between city officials and local entrepreneurs to identify business needs, answer questions and detail municipal assistance programs. City officials encouraged attendance, stating the meeting will provide valuable information on how the city and the business community can better collaborate.

Downtown to host sidewalk sales and grand opening event

ROCHELLE, IL - Rochelle's downtown district will see a flurry of activity this Saturday, May 16, with spring sidewalk sales aimed at supporting small businesses impacted by ongoing construction and street closures. Concurrently, a newly remodeled downtown redevelopment project — formerly the Rochelle Savings and Loan Building at the corner of Cherry Avenue and Lincoln Highway — will celebrate its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature various activities and showcase storefront spaces currently available for rent.

New all-way stop established at Main Street and Fifth Avenue

ROCHELLE, IL - In response to increasing downtown traffic and ongoing revitalization efforts, the city council unanimously approved an ordinance establishing an all-way stop at the intersection of North Main Street and Fifth Avenue. Officials noted the intersection averages more than 1,600 vehicles daily and sits adjacent to the fire department, municipal parking lots and a forthcoming public facility featuring an event stage. The traffic pattern change aims to enhance safety for pedestrians, motorists and emergency responders navigating the busy downtown construction zone.

Speed limit increased on Creston Road following upgrades

ROCHELLE, IL - Motorists will soon be legally permitted to drive a bit faster on Creston Road after the city council unanimously approved an ordinance raising the speed limit from 40 mph to 50 mph between Caron Road and the I-39 overpass. The decision follows the completion of significant road improvements, including new asphalt, road shoulders and stormwater drainage upgrades. A subsequent engineering and traffic survey determined the 50 mph limit is safe and appropriate for the agricultural stretch of road, which sees more than 2,200 vehicles daily.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly referred to "Karen Road." The correct name of the cross street is Caron Road. Citizen Journal regrets the error and thanks the reader who flagged it.

City urges caution on rural roads during planting season

ROCHELLE, IL - As planting season gets underway, a public safety warning was issued urging motorists to exercise extreme caution around large agricultural equipment on local roadways. Officials noted that modern farm machinery frequently occupies more than half the road and requires extra clearance, particularly when navigating overpasses or areas with curbs and mailboxes. Residents were asked to be patient and give farmers ample space as they transport equipment between fields.

Council approves change order for Well 8 following motor failure

ROCHELLE, IL - The city council unanimously approved a $41,234 change order to an unnamed contractor for the Well 8 iron filter plant project after an existing pump experienced an unexpected motor failure during construction. The funds will cover the installation of a new 240-horsepower motor. The city's water infrastructure team was commended for making internal equipment modifications and procuring the materials directly, a move estimated to save taxpayers approximately $200,000.

City adds $178,000 in street resurfacing to 14th Street project

ROCHELLE, IL - The city council unanimously approved a change order allowing up to $178,000 to an unnamed contractor in additional hot-mix asphalt resurfacing as part of the ongoing North 14th Street storm sewer project. The funds will cover essential pavement resurfacing along streets within adjacent subdivisions and the city cemetery along Eighth Avenue. The additional work is expected to extend the project's timeline by about four weeks, with completion anticipated by June 30.

Fire department approved for new $48,000 pickup truck

ROCHELLE, IL - The Rochelle Fire Department will replace its aging 2012 pickup truck following the city council's unanimous approval of a $48,531 bid from Jeff Perry Chevrolet. Fire officials noted the department is currently transitioning its dive team operations from an older ambulance to a trailer system, making a reliable new towing vehicle a necessity. The approved cost covers the vehicle itself, with additional funds required later for specialty equipment, radios and a truck topper.

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