Rochelle local news summary

Council lifts ban on Christmas alcohol sales

Council authorizes $3.5 million bond issue for airport improvements

City approves funding for technology center electrical upgrades

New grant program targeted at small business interiors

Board approves $51.3 million budget proposal for fiscal year 2026

County ranked third in Illinois for industrial tax revenue

Jail bond debt on track for 2028 payoff

Special use permit fees drive revenue increase

Health Department struggles with rent and revenue

Solar farm approved in narrow 11-10 split vote

Board rejects 5-megawatt Marion Township solar project

Historic Courthouse renovations progressing

Council lifts ban on Christmas alcohol sales

ROCHELLE, Ill. - The Rochelle City Council voted unanimously Monday to amend the municipal code, removing restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Previously, sales were prohibited after 7 p.m. on Dec. 24 and banned entirely on Dec. 25. City officials stated the change is intended to modernize local liquor regulations and provide fairness to tavern owners who wish to remain open for residents seeking a place to gather during the holidays. The amendment brings Rochelle into compliance with the Illinois Liquor Control Act and aligns the city with practices in neighboring communities.

Council authorizes $3.5 million bond issue for airport improvements

ROCHELLE, Ill. - Council members approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds not to exceed $3.5 million to finance improvements at the Rochelle Municipal Airport. The primary project is the construction of a new eight-unit T-hangar, estimated to cost roughly $1.9 million. Airport officials noted the facility currently has a waiting list of 15 planes, and while bids for the project came in higher than anticipated, the city expects to be reimbursed approximately $1.2 million through federal grant funding over the next two years.

City approves funding for technology center electrical upgrades

ROCHELLE, Ill. - To address infrastructure needs at the city’s technology center, the council authorized the issuance of up to $1.5 million in general obligation bonds. The funds will be used to upgrade the electrical system at 910 Technology Parkway, specifically targeting power distribution units and battery backups that are nearing the end of their lifespan. City staff emphasized that the debt service for these bonds will be paid through revenue generated by customers leasing space at the center, rather than through tax levies.

New grant program targeted at small business interiors

ROCHELLE, Ill. - The council established the Small Business Interior Improvement Grant Program, a new initiative designed to assist downtown business owners with indoor renovations. Similar to the city’s existing facade grant, the program offers a 50/50 match with a maximum city contribution of $10,000 per project. The city has budgeted $30,000 for the program's inaugural year in 2026, which will cover eligible expenses such as HVAC, plumbing and ADA compliance work on a first-come, first-served basis starting Jan. 1.

Board approves $51.3 million budget proposal for fiscal year 2026

OGLE COUNTY, Ill. - Finance Committee Chairman Billeter presented the draft fiscal year 2026 Ogle County Budget and Appropriations at a special Oct. 27 meeting, outlining a total appropriation of $51,336,033. The proposed budget represents a 4.16 percent increase, or roughly $2.1 million, over the prior year, with the General Fund seeing the largest jump due to salary adjustments. Despite the increased spending, Billeter noted that county revenues are projected to rise by approximately $131,582, resulting in an estimated General Fund surplus of $277,383 for the coming year.

County ranked third in Illinois for industrial tax revenue

OGLE COUNTY, Ill. - During the budget presentation on Oct. 27, Billeter highlighted that 32 percent of Ogle County’s tax funds generally come from industrial taxes, placing the county third in the state of Illinois for industrial tax base contribution. Residential taxes account for 40 percent of the funds, while commercial business taxes contribute 9 percent and farm taxes make up 17 percent. Billeter also reported that the overall Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) in the county is estimated to rise by 6.6 percent in 2025 to over $2.2 billion.

Jail bond debt on track for 2028 payoff

OGLE COUNTY, Ill. - The county faces ongoing obligations regarding the bond payment for the jail, which currently holds a balance of $5.6 million. Billeter informed the board that the county is currently paying $2.8 million annually toward the debt, with the next payment due Jan. 1, 2026. The bond is scheduled to be paid in full by Jan. 1, 2028, which officials noted as a significant future milestone for the county’s financial outlook.

Special use permit fees drive revenue increase

OGLE COUNTY, Ill. - Revenue generated from Special Use Permit applications has seen a significant increase, rising from a year-to-date balance of $350,000 in 2025 to a projected $600,000 in the proposed fiscal 2026 budget. When questioned by board member Corbitt about the sharp rise, board member Youman attributed the growth to fee increases that the board voted to implement earlier this year.

Health Department struggles with rent and revenue

OGLE COUNTY, Ill. - Board member Corbitt questioned a decrease in interfund transfers regarding the Health Department during the budget hearing, prompting a discussion on the department's financial challenges. Billeter explained that the Health Department, which rents its properties from the county, had not paid rent for two consecutive years due to confusion and the loss of specific grants. The county has since reduced the rent and is assisting the department in identifying alternative income sources to stabilize their finances.

Solar farm approved in narrow 11-10 split vote

OGLE COUNTY, Ill. - The Ogle County Board narrowly approved a special use permit for a new community solar energy facility in Leaf River Township during the Oct. 21 meeting. The proposal by the project developer allows for the construction of a 3.5-megawatt facility on a 25-acre portion of a site located in the 8000 block of North Pecatonica Road. The measure passed with an 11-10 vote; board members Ramsey, Reeverts, Simms, Daws, Fritz, Hopkins, Huber, Kenney, Miller and Mudge voted against the project.

Board rejects 5-megawatt Marion Township solar project

OGLE COUNTY, Ill. - Citing a failure to meet the comprehensive plans of both the county and Marion Township, the board voted to deny a special use permit for a 4.99-megawatt solar facility proposed by Marion Township Solar 2, LLC. Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Nordman noted that the Zoning Board of Appeals had previously recommended denial in a 3-2 vote, and the Assessment and Planning and Zoning Committee had unanimously recommended denial. The rejected site was planned for 33 acres in the 8000 block of North Kishwaukee Road.

Historic Courthouse renovations progressing

OGLE COUNTY, Ill. - Don Griffin provided an update on the ongoing restoration work at the Historic Courthouse during the Oct. 21 meeting. Griffin reported that the basement project has been completed and put back together. External scaffolding was scheduled for completion by late October, with roofers expected to begin work immediately following the scaffolding installation.

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