ROCHELLE — Rochelle City Council members approved a new credit program Monday night that would allow for residents to assist local businesses while receiving a credit on their RMU bill.

“The proposed Shop Local RMU Credit program is designed to be an economic tool by the City of Rochelle to encourage our residents to patronize local businesses who were forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic,” community development director Michelle Pease explained to council members.

Participating in the program provides a $60 reimbursement in the form of a credit on a future RMU bill for qualifying purchases from retail/service shops and restaurant establishments located within the RMU service territory.

Local businesses included in the promotion include the retailers, restaurants, hair salons and small businesses that were deemed non-essential during the Governor’s spring executive order. A complete list is available on www.cityofrochelle.net and www.rmu.net.

Restrictions

One $60 credit on your RMU bill

Residential household within RMU Service Territory (1 per household)

Purchases made at qualifying businesses, Aug. 15 through Dec. 31.

A minimum $300 spent at a qualifying retail/service shop and/or local restaurants deemed non-essential by gubernatorial executive order.

The program would not only benefit residents receiving the credit on their bill but also the businesses.

A projection shows that, for instance, if 100 RMU customers participate in the Shop Local RMU Credit Program, a benefit of $30,000 to local small businesses would be made.

To submit receipts, visit the City of Rochelle or RMU website. There, find both an online form or a printable form. To submit online, simply fill out the online form and upload photos of receipts from qualifying businesses totaling $300. To submit via postal mail or the drop-box located at the RMU customer service building, print the form and enclose receipts in an envelope and mail to: City of Rochelle, Attention: Michelle Pease, PO Box 601, Rochelle, IL 61068.

“This project is just one of the many ways our locally-owned utility is able to give back,” said Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows. “Our team is working creatively to support the local business community through the pandemic.”