This summer has been a very busy time for our team at the City of Rochelle.  Various projects are either underway or will be by September.   Three large projects that are slated to begin in the next few weeks include the annual sidewalk reconstruction program, the cleaning and painting of the water tower at the Illinois Route 251 overpass, burying power lines in the Westview subdivision, burying power infrastructure at the power plant and reconstruction of city parking lots downtown and the demolition of the old drive thru bank located at the intersection of Lincoln Highway and Lincoln Avenue.

Except for the sidewalk program, which is an annual program, all three of the above projects have been in the planning phases since 2021.  The repainting and maintenance of the water tower is typically done every 10 years and is required by the ILEPA and extends the longevity of the water tower.  Plus, the new design selected by the public and city council will bring a fresh new look to our community.  Both the Westview and Power Plant work will reduce outages and increase service reliability.  Both are top priorities for the city.

The parking lot reconstruction in the downtown and the demolition of the old bank facility are being funded through Rebuild Downtown & Mainstreet Capital grant through the state.  The areas being reconstructed include the lots located at corner of Cherry Avenue and Main Street, the corner of Lincoln Highway and Lincoln Avenue, the corner of 4^th Avenue and 6^th Street.  All work should be completed by winter 2025.

Our team is preparing the 2025 annual budget.  Some of my priorities include additional staff consolidations, moving more contract work in house, continuing to fill public safety positions (with grants when available), working to further reduce the city’s portion of the property tax levy and finding new ways to promote the best electric and water utilities in the state.  If you have questions on the city’s budget or want to offer suggestions on more efficient service delivery models feel free to contact me at city hall. 

Last week the Rochelle Police and Fire Departments held the annual National Night Out.  Wow what a great event.  As someone who has lived and served other communities I can tell you, Rochelle’s is the premier event in northern Illinois.  Thank you to Chief Pavia, Chief Sawlsville, DC Frankenberry, Communication Supervisor Luisa Nambo and Assistant Carmen Swanson for your dedication and passion for Rochelle and our residents.

Finally, I want to thank all our teachers, school staff and administrators for their service and dedication to our kids and community.  Best of luck as school begins, Rochelle is served by two of the best school districts I have worked with in my 20-year career in local government.

“There is no greater challenge and there is no greater honor than to be in public service.” -Condoleezza Rice

“Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

Jeffrey A. Fiegenschuh, ICMA-CM, MPA, is the city manager of the City of Rochelle.