Rochelle Approves Policy On Inactive Utility Account Balances

ROCHELLE — The Rochelle City Council approved a policy regarding nominal balances on inactive Rochelle Municipal Utilities accounts. The ordinance allows the Utility Billing Manager to close accounts that have been inactive for at least three months after final billing when the balance owed or credited is less than $5. City staff said they will attempt to apply remaining balances to other active accounts or issue refunds when practical, but noted that small balances are often not efficiently resolved due to limited customer information or processing costs. Officials said the policy is intended to improve consistency in account management, reduce administrative expenses, and align with standard financial practices.