Jeff Fiegenschuh, who has spent the past eight years as city manager of Rochelle, Illinois, has been chosen by Washington’s mayor to become the next city administrator of the Illinois community, a move aimed at strengthening local governance and operational leadership.

The appointment, announced ahead of a city council vote scheduled for Monday, reflects confidence in Mr. Fiegenschuh’s record of economic development, financial stewardship and organizational improvement accrued during his tenure in Rochelle, where he has overseen strategic initiatives and bolstered municipal performance.

Under the terms proposed by Washington’s administration, Mr. Fiegenschuh would serve on a three-year contract with an annual salary of one hundred eighty thousand dollars and begin his new role on January nineteenth.

The contract also includes provisions for relocation support of up to ten thousand dollars and the use of a city vehicle for business and reasonable personal travel, demonstrating Washington’s commitment to attracting established talent to lead its city government.

Mr. Fiegenschuh’s departure from Rochelle follows his announcement earlier this month that he would step down mid-January to pursue this new opportunity, marking the end of a period of notable accomplishments in his former post.

During his leadership in Rochelle, he helped guide the city through significant economic development, reinforced financial reserves and advanced infrastructure and service improvements, earning praise from officials and local stakeholders.

Washington has been without a permanent city administrator since August two thousand twenty-four, when the previous administrator was placed on administrative leave.

Since that time, the city engineer has fulfilled interim duties while the mayor and council conducted a search for a qualified successor.

Washington’s mayor, with the advice and consent of the city council, is responsible for the appointment, and council approval is expected to formalize the selection of Mr. Fiegenschuh.

As Washington looks ahead to stable executive leadership, the incoming city administrator is poised to focus on efficient day-to-day operations, strategic planning and sustained community development.

If confirmed, Mr. Fiegenschuh’s tenure will extend through the end of the current mayor’s term in May two thousand twenty-nine, providing continuity of administrative direction during a period of growth and civic engagement for the city.