Rockford Updates Water Billing, Plans Fall Events as New Shanes Park Pavilion Opens

The Village of Rockford is preparing for a busy fall with several community events, changes to water billing and a new addition at Shanes Park.

Rockford Village Clerk and Treasurer Lisa Kuhn provided an update following the latest village council meeting, while the community also celebrated the completion of a new pavilion at Shanes Park.

Brody Reigle officially turned the new pond pavilion over to Mayor Ron Searight after completing the project as part of his work toward the rank of Eagle Scout.

Reigle recently completed his Eagle Scout Board of Review. He raised more than $33,000 to cover the cost of materials for the pavilion and coordinated more than 840 volunteer hours to complete the project.

The pavilion also continues a family tradition of service to Shanes Park. It represents the second generation and third project from the Reigle family to benefit the park and the Rockford community.

Kuhn also announced that the village will begin using a new water billing system with the next billing cycle.

Water bills will no longer be mailed on postcards. Instead, customers will receive a regular paper bill inside an envelope.

The payment schedule will remain unchanged. Water bills are due on the 15th of each month. A 10 percent penalty will be added if a bill is not paid by the due date, and water service can be shut off without additional notice if the bill remains unpaid at the end of the month.

Residents can also visit the village website to look up their water bill using their account number and last name. Customers have the option to sign up to receive water bills by email.

Council also approved several preparations for Rocktoberfest. The Rockford Chamber received permission to close Market Street for a car show and to close Main Street parking from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the event.

Rocktoberfest activities are scheduled for Saturday, October 31. The Rocktoberfest 5K will begin at 11 a.m., with trick or treating and costume judging also planned at the fire station. Additional information will be announced later.

Other upcoming Rockford events include a household hazardous waste and steel drop off day at the Mercer County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hydrant flushing is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Sunday, September 13. Rockford’s homecoming parade is also scheduled for September 13 during the afternoon.

A Glow Run is planned for Saturday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m.

The Rockford Village Office will be closed Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.

Council also approved payment of bills totaling $21,747.88.