ROCHELLE – During a special meeting on Thursday night, Rochelle City Council members approved a severance agreement with outgoing city manager David Plyman.
Plyman signed the agreement early Friday morning. The terms of the severance agreement include six months of salary along with insurance benefits. Plyman’s yearly salary is just under $125,000.
“These agreements are very typical,” Plyman said. “That’s not to say every city manager has an agreement exactly like this, but I would think the majority would.”
A decision was also made by the current council to allow the new incoming city council members to hire their own city manager after the April 4 election.
Plyman was one of the longest serving city managers since Rochelle moved to a city manager style of government in the mid-1990s..
“I thank Mr. Plyman for all his dedication to the City of Rochelle and his years of service,” mayor Chet Olson said. “This mayor, council, and employees wish him well in the future.”

Moving forward, the mayor and the current city council have 14 days to appoint an interim manager and must commence a search for a permanent city manager within 30 days. Ultimately, the permanent city manager must be hired and start the position within 180 days of the vacancy created by Plyman, according to city code.

City officials released a statement on Thursday night, highlighting several accomplishment’s during Plyman’s tenure:

• Rochelle has earned about $3 million over two years to support transmission expenses as part of an electrical transmission tariff
• Implemented GIS mapping and asset management systems for use by the RMU and engineering department, which increased productivity and provided better record keeping
• Guided the City’s initial efforts in restoring its downtown as a focal point in our community
• Brought new industry and development to the City, including greenhouses and the redevelopment of the Hub Theater and former Lincoln School, preserved the golf course for public use and facilitated private investment in the golf course restaurant and banquet facility

• Reduced General Fund expenses and reorganized administrative functions of City Staff
• Achieved “Quiet Zone” status at the City’s many rail crossings
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Rochelle. I will miss working with Mayor Olson and Rochelle’s hard-working and talented staff,” Plyman said. “I firmly believe that Rochelle has a very bright future if it continues to strive for excellence and resists the urge to remain complacent in our ever-changing economy.”