Rochelle local news summary

Council adopts fiscal year 2026 budget

Public hearing held for $5 million bond issuance

City approves $1.7 million contract for new airport hangar

Engineering expanded for downtown underground utility project

Cannabis infuser granted special use permit

Police union contract ratified with wage increases

Phase three of fire training tower approved

Council adopts fiscal year 2026 budget

ROCHELLE, Ill. - The city council unanimously approved the municipal budget for the 2026 fiscal year following a public hearing. The general fund budget projects revenues of approximately $16.3 million and expenditures of $16.6 million, resulting in a projected deficit of roughly $277,000 attributed largely to capital expenditures at City Hall and increased costs for Fourth of July fireworks. City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh noted that despite the deficit spending—which includes utilizing reserves for a new electric substation—the city's portion of the property tax rate is expected to drop below 90 cents.

Public hearing held for $5 million bond issuance

ROCHELLE, Ill. - The council conducted a public hearing regarding a plan to issue up to $5 million in general obligation alternate revenue bonds. The funding is designated for two major initiatives: approximately $2 million for airport improvements and $700,000 for upgrades at the Rochelle Technology Center. Officials stated that while the ordinance allows for up to $5 million based on financial advice, the city hopes to borrow less. The bonds are expected to be abated annually using airport revenues and grant funds rather than property taxes.

City approves $1.7 million contract for new airport hangar

ROCHELLE, Ill. - Council members voted to accept a bid from Bruns Construction for the construction of a new eight-unit T-hangar at the Rochelle Municipal Airport. The approved package includes a base bid of approximately $1.53 million and an alternate bid of roughly $200,000 for paving and site work. The project will be funded through a 2026 general obligation bond, though officials anticipate reimbursement of approximately $1.2 million through federal grants, including funding from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Engineering expanded for downtown underground utility project

ROCHELLE, Ill. - A change order was approved for the professional services agreement with BHMG Engineering regarding the downtown underground conversion project. The amendment expands the scope of work to include engineering for telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring that lines from providers such as Comcast and Frontier are buried alongside city utilities. Electrical Director Blake Toliver told the council that burying all lines will remove the "raggedy mess" of leaning poles and improve safety and aesthetics in the downtown area.

Cannabis infuser granted special use permit

ROCHELLE, Ill. - Stash Holdings received a special use permit to operate an adult-use cannabis infusion organization at 600 N. 15th St. The facility, located in an industrial zone, will focus on infusing products and storage, with no retail sales permitted at the site. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously recommended approval, provided the company submits a security plan to the Rochelle police chief. The measure passed with one abstention.

Police union contract ratified with wage increases

ROCHELLE, Ill. - The council approved a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Police Benevolent Labor Committee, effective through April 2028. The agreement raises the starting hourly wage for patrol officers to $32.03 in an effort to stem staff turnover and align wages with competitor communities. City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh emphasized the need to invest in current officers to prevent a "revolving door" of employment, though Fiegenschuh noted that even with the increase, wages remain below the midpoint of comparable local agencies.

Phase three of fire training tower approved

ROCHELLE, Ill. - The council waived competitive bidding requirements to authorize a $334,500 expenditure for phase three of the fire training tower on South Main Street. The total cost of the specialized structure, manufactured by a company in Lockport, Ill., is $669,000, with half the cost covered by the Ogle-Lee Fire Protection District. The new addition will feature burn rooms, stairwells and balconies designed to simulate high-rise rescues and confined space drills.

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