ROCHELLE — The Rochelle City Council meeting Monday night saw the swearing-in of a new finance director and a series of approvals related to infrastructure, tax abatement, and a proposal for a program that would give grant money to small businesses to make interior upgrades downtown.
Area veterans representing the VFW and the American Legion were recognized ahead of the meeting for their work not only locally but for the sacrifices veterans have made for this country.
Matt Hoffman officially took the oath of office as Rochelle’s new finance director. Hoffman previously served as assistant finance director for the Village of Lake in the Hills, where he oversaw accounting, audits, and budget development. In Rochelle, he will manage budgeting, auditing, and long-term financial planning, working with city officials to maintain fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Hoffman began his role November 3 and said the transition has gone smoothly. He credited former Finance Director Chris Cardott for leaving the department in strong condition. Hoffman said his immediate focus includes preparing for year-end audit work and budget planning. “Every municipality is different,” he said, “but Rochelle’s finances are very well put together, and the department runs very smoothly.”
In other business, city officials provided an update on the Spring Lake Pool area cleanup following a June incident when a Rochelle Municipal Utilities pole and transformer fell into the water. Soil tests revealed mineral oil contamination, leading to a $73,937 cleanup effort approved in September. Additional samples were later reviewed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which determined October 23 that no further cleanup was required. A new transformer has since been installed on a raised pad, and restoration work on the waterfall area and fencing is expected to be complete by year’s end.
The council also heard a presentation from Burlington Junction Railway, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Company President and CEO Peter Hoth discussed its growth, safety record, and contribution to the community through transload operations. The company provides a wide range of freight services in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri, including truck-to-rail and rail-to-truck transfers. Hoth said the Rochelle facility has met its required city contribution for the year and expects to exceed it by December.
Rochelle Municipal Utilities presented a report from Fast Forward Lines, which recently completed inspections of utility poles and equipment. The company identified 236 thermal anomalies, mostly poles showing overheating or loose connections. Repairs are estimated at $189,000, far less than the cost of emergency failures. One discovery — an overheating switch at the ethanol plant — helped prevent a potential shutdown. RMU Superintendent of Electric Operations and Generation Blake Toliver said new technology is being introduced to help assess pole strength and prevent incidents like the Spring Lake transformer fall. RMU is also preparing to begin drone inspections to reach previously inaccessible areas.
Council members also approved the city’s 2025 property tax levy totaling $3,104,199. While total revenue will rise due to higher assessed values, the tax rate will decrease to .875916 per $100 of EAV. The levy includes required funding for police and fire pension obligations.
To support utility infrastructure, the council approved easements totaling $403,273 for the Centerpoint Substation Project. The agreements provide permanent access for maintenance and emergency operations, funded through the RMU Electric Fund.
Another infrastructure measure approved Monday was a five-year, $54,000-per-year contract with AIDash, an AI-based vegetation management company. Using satellite imagery and data analytics, AIDash will help RMU prioritize tree trimming and maintenance to reduce power outages. Toliver said the service proved highly accurate during a summer pilot program.
Council members also approved the purchase of property at 313 W. 5th Avenue and an adjacent vacant lot for $110,000 to provide additional parking for firefighters downtown. City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh said the lots were needed after construction work near the bandshell removed several parking spaces. The purchase is funded through the Downtown and Southern Gateway TIF district.
Hoffman was also appointed as Rochelle’s authorized agent for the Illinois Municipal Retirement System. The role gives him authority to administer IMRF-related matters, effective immediately.
The council approved ordinances abating property taxes for multiple General Obligation Bonds, including Series 2023, 2022, 2021, 2018, and 2013, ensuring that payments will be covered by city funds rather than property tax revenues when possible. The measures will be sent to Lee and Ogle counties for filing.
Finally, Community Development Director Michelle Pease introduced a proposal for a Small Business Interior Improvement Grant Program. The initiative would use $30,000 in landfill funds to help small downtown businesses with interior upgrades such as safety, accessibility, and aesthetic improvements. Grants would be awarded on a 50/50 match basis, up to $10,000 per project, within the downtown TIF district.
Eligible applicants must have fewer than 25 employees, be in good standing with the city and utilities, and remain open for at least one year after receiving funds. The program, which would complement the existing facade grant initiative, could begin in January 2026 pending council approval at an upcoming meeting.
