ROCHELLE — Rochelle City Council held a public hearing regarding the city’s Northern Gateway Tax Increment Financing District Redevelopment plan and project shortly before the regularly scheduled meeting Monday night.

Keith Moran, President of Moran Economic Development explained to several community members in attendance the city’s plan to include 100 parcels into a TIF district to encourage economic development.

If approved this TIF district would be in effect by the end of August and be in place for up to 23 years.

Tax money from any improvements made within the TIF district that cause an increase in the EAV for a property will stay inside of the district.

The project also includes updating infrastructure and improving sewer and water systems.

Property owners are encouraged to speak with Michelle Pease, Economic Development Director, before making any improvements to see if there would be any financial assistance available.

Council is expected to vote on the ordinance at the Aug. 13 meeting.

New firefighter

The Rochelle Fire Department has a new member in its’ ranks after Curt Helgren was officially sworn in at Monday’s council meeting. Helgren began his firefighting career in 2007 as an Ogle-Lee firefighter in Flagg Center and was hired as a paid on-call firefighter for the City of Rochelle in 2010. Helgren is a graduate of Rochelle Township High School and is a licensed paramedic and certified firefighter.

Council approved an ordinance amending the starting times for meetings from 7 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for those taking place after Sept. 1.