Rochelle Approves Utility Easement for Ritchie Road Electric Project

ROCHELLE — The Rochelle City Council approved a $20,000 permanent utility easement with the Boyle family to support improvements to the city’s electric system near Steward Road and East Ritchie Road. The easement will provide space for underground electric and fiber optic facilities tied to the Ritchie Road Substation to CHS project and the CenterPoint Substation. The agreement gives the city access to construct, operate, maintain, repair and replace the utilities. City officials said securing the easement also will help with future development of the Boyle property by establishing a utility corridor in advance. The agreement has been under negotiation since early 2025. The payment will come from the city’s Electric Fund. The council approved the agreement 6-0.