ROCHELLE — City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh presented the city’s potential 2026 budget during a workshop Monday night, with a total of just over $120 million, slightly lower than last year due to reduced capital spending on water and wastewater projects. Fiegenschuh pointed to continued growth in landfill revenue, the completion of Well 8, design work for Well 13, and $16,000 in federally funded sewer lining. The budget also includes funding for new pickleball courts at the golf course, improvements to downtown event spaces, and the third phase of a multi-jurisdictional fire training facility.
Public safety remains the largest part of the general fund, with money set aside for additional police officers and fire department expansion. General fund revenues are projected at $16.3 million, with expenses at $16.6 million, leaving cash reserves above $10 million. Fiegenschuh noted the city is using conservative estimates for sales and grocery taxes and plans to start billing nursing homes for “lift assist” ambulance calls.
The budget includes $32.2 million in capital projects, covering street and alley repairs, stormwater improvements, electric distribution upgrades, and water reclamation programs. Funding is also planned for airport hangar construction and technology upgrades at the tech center. Enterprise funds, led by the electric utility, account for nearly $19 million of the total budget.
Fiegenschuh credited city staff with securing federal, state, and local grants for water, sewer, and fire projects, and highlighted the RMU Utility Assistance Program, which helps low-income residents with energy bills. Staffing changes include two new police officers, a school resource officer, a lineman, and an engineering technician.
The city maintains its S&P bond rating and has received multiple GFOA awards for budget and financial reporting. Ongoing TIF projects downtown and at Northern Gateway will continue, with revenues used for road improvements and debt repayment.
General fund spending outside public safety and public works has dropped slightly since 2017, while total city staffing now stands at 148. Fiegenschuh stressed the importance of keeping reserves while continuing investments in infrastructure, technology, and community programs.
The budget also provides for community events, the municipal band, fireworks, the Senior Center, and the Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival. The city will continue working with schools, businesses, and local groups to support recreation and economic development.
Fiegenschuh said the budget serves as a framework for 2026, with projects moving forward as revenues allow and council approval required for spending above the city manager’s authority. He emphasized the city’s commitment to reliable utilities and competitive rates for residents and industrial customers.
