Rochelle City Council Approves Bond Ordinances for Tech Center and Airport Projects

ROCHELLE — The Rochelle City Council on Monday approved two ordinances authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2026. The first ordinance allows the city to issue up to $1.5 million to fund electrical system upgrades and other improvements at the Technology Center, with repayment from Technology Center revenues, federal grants, and other available city funds. Pat Brust, Director of Advanced Communications for the City of Rochelle/RMU, said the battery backups at the facility are reaching the end of their usable life. The second ordinance authorizes up to $3.5 million in bonds to finance a new 8-unit hangar and other improvements at the Rochelle Municipal Airport, with repayment from airport revenues, federal grants, Technology Center revenues, and other city funds, also backed by taxes if necessary. Both ordinances include provisions for a possible petition referendum by registered voters. Public hearings under the Bond Issue Notification Act are scheduled for December 8, 2025.