In the Know
January Financial Wellness Tip: Take a Moment to Review Your Pay Stub
As we begin a new year, January is a great time to check in on your finances starting with your pay stub. We encourage all employees to review their federal tax withholdings, especially if you have claimed dependents on your W-4. Due to federal tax changes implemented after 2020, many payroll systems including Tyler Incode, which the City uses may not withhold federal taxes from a paycheck until a child tax credit threshold is reached. While this can increase take-home pay during the year, it may also result in an unexpected tax balance when you file your return.
The good news is that you can update your W-4 at any time, and you may make changes more than once during the year if your circumstances change. Reviewing your withholdings now can help you better manage your tax liability and avoid surprises during tax season.
Taking a few minutes now can help set you up for a smoother tax season later in the year. H u m a n R
Because every situation is different, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified tax professional to ensure your withholdings align with your financial goals and filing expectations.
You can access your pay stubs and update your W-4 24/7 through the Employee Self Service (ESS) portal. If you need help navigating the system or have questions about making changes, please contact hrhelpdesk@rochelleil.us we’re happy to assist.
Benefit Highlight: Express Scripts Pharmacy Benefits
Express Scripts is the City’s Pharmacy Benefit Manager, helping employees access prescription medications efficiently and affordably.
If you take medications on a daily basis to treat chronic conditions often called maintenance medications—there are a few important guidelines to be aware of. Express Scripts allows three initial 30-day fills for a new maintenance prescription. This gives you and your healthcare provider time to determine whether the medication is the right long-term option.
Once it’s determined that the medication will be used on an ongoing basis, all future refills must be filled as a 90-day supply. After the three initial 30-day fills, continuing to request a 30-day supply will result in you being responsible for the full cost of the prescription.
Please note that Express Scripts does not mail physical prescription cards. To access your prescription card, you’ll need to create an account at www.express-scripts.com or download the Express Scripts mobile app. If you’ve used Express Scripts with a previous employer, you may be prompted to choose an account be sure to select the one labeled IPBC to view your current benefits.
If you have questions about this benefit or need assistance getting started, please contact hrhelpdesk@rochelleil.us. We’re happy to help you make the most of your benefits. H u m a n
Once logged in, you can:
View or print your digital prescription card
Review your prescriptions and claims
Find in-network pharmacies
Manage your pharmacy benefits anytime
H u m a n R
Safety Spotlight: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is the fifth and final level in the safety hierarchy of controls, used when hazards cannot be fully eliminated through engineering controls or administrative measures such as work practices and procedures.
While PPE should not be the only method used to control workplace hazards when other effective options are available, it is a critical layer of protection when exposures cannot be reduced to safe levels by other means. PPE is most effective when it is properly selected, well maintained, and used correctly and consistently.
To support employee safety, the City maintains a PPE program that includes:
Assessing workplace hazards
Selecting appropriate PPE for specific tasks
Inspecting and replacing damaged or worn equipment
Training employees on proper use and care
Monitoring the program to ensure continued effectiveness
Examples of common PPE used in our workplace include:
Respirators
Firefighter turnout gear
Gloves
Eye and face protection
Hearing protection
Hard hats
Remember, PPE is designed to protect you but it only works when it’s worn as required. If you have questions about PPE requirements for your position, need replacement equipment, or would like additional training, please contact your supervisor or the Human Resources Department.
Safety is a shared responsibility, and your commitment to using PPE correctly helps keep everyone safe.
C o m m u n i t y
As we approach 2026, we are excited to announce the launch of a new program aimed at supporting small businesses in our downtown area. The City of Rochelle’s Small Business Interior Improvement Grant Program is designed to assist local enterprises with interior remodeling, upgrades, and compliance with building codes within the Downtown TIF District.
This initiative seeks to encourage investment in local businesses and promote the revitalization of Downtown Rochelle. The program offers matching funds to help business owners enhance the interiors of their properties, improve safety, and upgrade functionality. Eligibility is limited to businesses located within the Downtown TIF District.
Program Details:
Grant Type: Reimbursement Matching Grant (50/50)
Maximum Grant Amount: Up to $10,000 per project
Eligible Areas: Downtown TIF District
Eligibility Criteria: Small businesses with fewer than 25 employees, property owners, or tenants with the consent of the owner.
Eligible Improvements:
Projects must involve permanent interior enhancements that improve safety, accessibility, or visual appeal. Examples of eligible improvements include flooring, lighting, HVAC systems, ADA compliance upgrades, fire suppression systems, plumbing, and electrical upgrades.
Please note that any business wholly or partially owned by an individual or group that has received funding in the past three years will not be eligible for new funds for a period of three years. Ownership is defined as any common ownership in the case of a corporation or limited liability company. Additionally, buildings with zoning or building code violations are ineligible for this Program. Business owners must be in good standing with the City and Rochelle Municipal Utilities (RMU) for a minimum of 60 days prior to applying and must maintain this status.
Furthermore, businesses are required to remain operational for 12 months following the receipt of the grant.
For further information, please contact:
Michelle Pease
City of Rochelle
Community Development Department
Phone: 815-561-2073
Email: mpease@rochelleil.us
Additional details can be found at: City of Rochelle Community Development https://www.cityofrochelle.net/content/communitydevelopment/development-incentives/
A d v a n c e d C o m m u n i c a
Data Center
Colocation and VLAN Service Agreement approved by Council for DNA
Communications
Waiting for them to move equipment in to start billing
Network Administration
Network Administration Work
New IT remote management and ticketing system working well Jared will be starting to order 2026 budgeted hardware that needs replaced per cybersecurity policy due to equipment age
1030 RMU/COR Complex
No updates
Airport
Eric to work with Mike on the FuelMaster issues and Tail numbers not being reported. Believe it is in the software setup not having that information required.
City Hall
Eric changed Sam to receive Laserfiche form notifications for authorizing Credit Card Usage, Technology Request, and Travel/Mileage Reimbursement Forms
Customer Service
Andrew Grek started. Hardware and new user configuration completed
Ben went onsite to troubleshoot Autumn network issues and found damaged cable
Cybersecurity
Ongoing KnowBe4 Trainings
Reviewed cybersecurity policy and held quick tabletop exercise with Britt from HR
Electric
Working on Fiber plan for scheduled outage to repair cable new
Twombly Sub
Well 8 fiber installation completed
Multiple password resets for linemen in email and VUEWorks
Engineering
See City Hall Updates for Sam
Daupler Implementation
No updates
Finance
Disabled Chris Cardott email access. Created shared mailbox and gave access to Matt Hoffman
Fire Department
Eric assisted Gregg with getting into his email.
HR
Ongoing coordination with Britt for CH/PD Door Access System
A d v a n c e d C o m m u n i c a t i
Laserfiche
Ongoing changes to forms for multiple departments. Creating new forms for internal work and additional fiber options
created new for for purchase of used Technology equipment
Elected Officials
Demo screen for Council chambers is here for other to look at PD
Multiple issues with laptops, badges, etc
Spoke with Chief about us potentially printing their department badges to save them money, as they currently pay @ $25 per badge for their IDs
Detectives moving to new office
Eric installing axis software onto pcs
Public Works
Made changes to call routing per email sent from Tim I.
Streets
No Updates
Water
New cellular VPN device configured and ready for Andrew to install
Water Reclamation
Assisted with SCADA problems due to switch failure
Advanced Communications
Fiber mapping software was approved for purchase. Casey went through initial training on setting application up.
Ongoing updating customer agreements and speeds
Working on documentation of Fiber Cross connects at all fiber locations to show where fiber goes, who it serves, and what it is used for. Long overdue work and tedious.
Switch issues @ Caron Rd Sub and need to work to make old water SCADA work better, as it does not want to function properly in newer non-Cisco switches
Sinnissippi cancelled fiber internet access
SMB Data Networks secondary internet connection cancelled, as they lost that customer in their collocation space
1 new residential fiber customer signed up at The Grove
GIS
Updates ESRI software on 3 servers and coordinated updates to the VUEWorks application.
i n a n c e
The Finance Dept is in full swing with their annual audit. Auditors were here on Jan 27 doing their prelimary field work. th
W-2's & OBBBA
With the new overtime law, HR and Finance needed to do much work calculating the overtime from 2025 so that the W-2's could be processed. They were sent out on last week with letters.
What is the Finance Team working on next you ask... 1099's Distingushed Budget
p o l i c e d e p a r t m e n t
Officer Ashtin Sorgea graduated from Sauk Valley Police Academy this month!
Chief pavia and detective sgt haan attended shop with a cop.
We hired lateral officer, Zach Lessman.
E l e c t r i c d e p a r t m e n t
Diesel Plant employees completed the department’s traffic control/safety trailer. They are also working on a breakroom renovation for their facility, and completing some piping work inside the plant.
E l e c t r i c d e p a r t m e n t
Linemen presented their demo trailer for the Chamber Leadership group at the 1030 campus.
Linemen replaced a broken utility pole during the strong windy conditions the morning of January 14 on IL Route 38. th
E l e c t r i c d e p a r t m e n t
We were notified of sewer line damage on 1 Ave which was a result of previous boring work performed for the Electric department, and an unmarked line. Crews acted quickly to make necessary repairs. st
Admin and CAD/GIS Staff:
Completed the 2025 Inventory process. Updated meter and pole information as they were replaced. Finalized 2025 MW Report.
Submitted follow-up responses for our RP3 Application. Attended demo for Intelligent Mapping Overview. Working to complete the 2025 EIA Data Request for BHMG.
On December 18, 2025, we welcomed the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy to the fire station. We gave them a behind the scenes tour and shared what a day in the life of our firefighters and EMS personnel really looks like. They asked some great questions and kept us on our toes throughout the visit.
On January 8th, for RFD’s monthly EMS training, paramedics took an ACLS refresher, which is Advanced Cardiac Life Support training designed to keep their skills sharp for cardiac arrest and stroke calls. At the same time, our EMT-Bs were upstairs practicing cardiac arrest scenarios, reinforcing teamwork and lifesaving techniques. It was a great night of hands-on training that ensures our entire crew is ready to respond quickly and effectively when every second counts.
End of Year Recap
Overall call Volume EMS V.S Fire
On January 1st, 2026, our incident reporting standards shifted from NFIRS to the new NERIS national standard. This transition is the culmination of a years long process by the United States Fire Administration (USFA) to create a secure, cloud-based platform modernizing an older system (NFIRS) which had become outdated and had increasing cybersecurity and technology limitations. The NERIS reporting standard is designed to streamline data collection, make incident data more interoperable, and make it easier to analyze data for decision-making. Firefighters continue to document our fire, rescue, and EMS incidents in our ESO reporting platform, which recently release a new interface for reporting that is aligned to the NERIS national reporting requirements.
We recently purchased new rope and eight new harnesses for our TRT (Technical Rescue Team). As soon as the equipment arrived, the guys immediately had to test it out. As an allhazards department, having the right gear helps ensure we’re prepared for whatever comes our way.
W a t e r d e p a r t m e n t
The Water Department celebrated the completion of the Well 8 project on January 12 with a ribbon cutting. Since the 90’s, Well 8 was used as a backup well, in case of emergency. Located in the heart of the Industrial Park with high water consumers, the upgrades to the well will allow it to go back online and alleviate demand from other wells allowing for redundancy in our system decreasing the wear and tear on equipment.
The major infrastructure upgrades to Well 8 are designed to improve water quality and ensure long-term reliability for our community.
The $7.4 million project was 100% funded through the IEPA State Revolving Fund with full principal forgiveness. Taking advantage of these types of funding opportunities allows the City to minimize the rate increases for utilities for its residents.
The City Clerk’s Office continues supporting City Council by preparing meeting agendas and maintaining official records. The office also ensures ordinances, resolutions, and public documents remain accurate and accessible, helping keep city operations transparent and on track.
The Customer Service Team has been working on starting the new year off with a clean house! We have been going through documents to file in preparation of a new year. Autumn moved offices, and Anthony now has Autumn’s old office. The maintenance team Ivan and Brian and Ben from IT were a great help in getting everything moved over and set up. Our team has also been working on rate changes that went into effect in January.
t i l i t
Changes Effective January 2026:
u b l i
PW – Administration
Boss 811 training for users on new locating software. Several meetings with boss 811 and julie to set up system. Conducted required safety training meetings.
PW – Airport
Chicagoland skydiving center will be holding an independence day event with fireworks on Friday, July 3 . The special event permit application has been submitted to IDOT and FAA.
Our automated weather observation system(AWos) has been out of service since NOvember. The part needed has not arrived yet. A notice to airman(NOTAM) has been in effect since the outage began.
One of our recent windstorms blew one of the 1963 hangar doors in and damaged the nose spinner on a Cessna 210. We filed a claim with the insurance and repaired the door.
PW – Facilities & Events
Removed decorations and tree from the christmas walk. upgrade interior walls in street department buildings. Miscellaneous building repairs and maintenance.
PW-
Forestry
Responded to multiple service requests from residents. trimmed multiple trees on 9 street and 12 street. th th clear trees from r.o.w. ditches and easements.
PW-
Fleet
Repaired Wing Bolts and attachments for R143 Wing plow frame. fabricated and repaired wing plow on r123. also replaced spreader auger bearing assembly.
Troubleshoot engine power problems with R123, made repairs to fuel system.
Rebuilt leaking plow angle cylinders on R117. replaced broken tarp arm and installed new plow lights on R155. Installed new plow blades on many plows as needed. Replaced front brakes and salt light on r107.
Replaced bad brake chamber on R142.
Installed backup camera, salt light, helper springs, and plow cables on R153. also modified salt spinner mounting for clearance. Replaced batteries and added 1 battery to starting system, also repaired lights on R166.
Fabricated patch drag box.
Continued yearly equipment services. truck washing after each snow event.
PW- Traffic
Responded to locate requests. planning, organiZing and ordering of signs for summer projects.
PW- Stormwater
located storm sewer lines between 1st ave and 2nd ave. jetted out box culvert on 251 near prescott bros. meltdown around raised manholes
PW- Streets
Temporary repair of an alley heaving. Fixed 2 mailboxes that were hit during plowing shoulder work on 251 cold patching potholes cleaned downtown of debris
12/28 snow plow and salt
12/29 snow plow and salt
12/18 Cleaned snow from downtown filled sidewalk cracks along n 2 st by hospital nd mandatory cyber security training
u b l i c
PW- Solid Waste
Continuing with city-wide street sweeping as weather allows.
Appliance Pick-ups every Thursday.
Picked up dead animals, trash, tires, and debris from ROW as needed.
Landfill tonnage ranging between 1000 to 1200 tons per day.
Conducted city-wide christmas tree collections.
Delivering and picking up barricades for dumpsters as needed.
Communications/Marketing
·2026 Planning
Planning vendors & promotion for City-hosted events: RR Days, Independence Day/America 250, Movie in the Park, Haybale Trail, Christmas Walk Tree Lighting
Website calendars
Calendar of events
·Communications Committeeo
Upcoming Training: ADA Law Changes
·January PR
Community Events Calendar, Odd/Even Parking, Electronics
Recycling, Council Meeting Recaps, Siren Test, Law
Enforcement Appreciation Day, Utility Rate Changes, Hiring Expo
·Tourism Marketing
Illustrated map/interactive website features
Blackhawk Waterways – Visitor Guide, Events, Businesses
Entrance Signs - exploring alternate ideas
·Energy Action Plan
Website updates to gather public input
Golf Course
·Pickleball, Parking Lot/Entrance - receiving 50% grant funds!
·2026 Rate Updates - Season passes only
·2026 Outings
Railroad Park
·Merchandising
·Maintenance staff
·West end project
·Potential Big Boy visit
C o m m u n i c a t i o n s
