A real estate tax abatement for a greenhouse facility, an increase in electric rates, and a railroad grant topped the discussion last night for city officials in Rochelle.
The tax abatement is for "Project Green" which will be on 9 acres of land near the ethanol facility on Steward Road. It will be a 7 million dollar capital investment for the city with around 20 jobs.
Gredco Director Jason Anderson said it's very important to get the tax abatement for this new company over the 3-year period.
The company is looking at 1 other location for the greenhouse facility.
The council heard a presentation dealing with electric rate modifications in the future for both residential and industrial customers of RMU. It's based on a 2 percent increase.
Under the proposal, the average home owner would see their electric bill go up about $2.60 per month. The council expects to vote on the increase during their next meeting in June.
The city plans to apply for a grant of 12.6 million dollars to advance the Lee-Ogle freight rail expansion project.
Anderson said that the grant winners will be announced in October. He expect a new industory for the city if they receive the money.
The council heard an update report dealing with the Brownsfield grant and hazardous areas in the city that need to be cleaned up. The worst corridor is around 2nd Avenue.
The city plans to apply for a grant which would go into the clean-up costs of the properties.
The bid of $120,500 from Bruns Construction of Rochelle for roof work was also approved for City Hall.
The council met in executive session to talk about personnel and the sale of property. No action was taken.
