Rochelle City Council discusses revised data center development agreement, will vote Nov. 9

The Rochelle City Council is reviewing a revised development agreement with Midwest Power Investors for a proposed 360,000-square-foot data center off Steward Road. The project would use about 48 megawatts of electricity, with Rochelle Municipal Utilities providing power, water, sewer and fiber services. Midwest Power Investors would fund an estimated $6.9 million in utility and roadway improvements, while the city could receive substantial utility, property-tax and other revenue if the project proceeds.

The council unanimously denied an earlier agreement in April, citing concerns about power demand, potential future phases, limited job creation and unknown risks. The revised proposal removes planned expansions to 100 and 150 megawatts, gives the utility control over water deliveries and includes a proposed closed-loop water system. A petition opposing the project had gathered 1,119 signatures as of Oct. 27, but no public opposition was voiced at the latest meeting. Mayor John Bearrows said the council will vote on the agreement Nov. 9.