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Belvidere approves TIF-backed redevelopment agreement to help DFA Dairy Brands Ice Cream upgrade wastewater systems
Summary
The council unanimously approved Resolution 2026‑17 to use Kishwaukee River TIF revenues to support wastewater‑related improvements at DFA Dairy Brands Ice Cream's local plant, with council members stressing the company's long history and local employment role.
The Belvidere City Council voted 8–0 June 1 to adopt Resolution 2026‑17, authorizing a redevelopment agreement between the city and DFA Dairy Brands Ice Cream LLC that uses tax increment financing (TIF) revenues from the Kishwaukee River redevelopment district to support necessary wastewater‑related improvements at DFA's plant.
City officials said the city approved the Kishwaukee River TIF and redevelopment plan in 2003 (referencing ordinances 535G and 536G), which authorizes use of TIF revenues for private‑property improvements that advance a public purpose. The council's remarks noted that DFA's plant requires significant improvements to reduce loads on the city's wastewater treatment plant and that the cost of untreated discharges can be high for both the company and the city.
Alderman Peterson characterized DFA as a long‑standing employer in Belvidere (council comments said the plant has been in the city for more than 100 years) and said supporting the plant is important after recent closures at other regional plants. The mayor read the resolution's findings emphasizing that TIF revenues authorized under the 2003 redevelopment plan are appropriate to assist with the proposed improvements.
The clerk conducted a roll call; the resolution passed with eight votes in favor. Council did not record additional conditions or a funding cap in the brief discussion recorded in the meeting transcript.
Next steps are administrative: execution of the redevelopment agreement with DFA and the allocation of TIF funds consistent with the redevelopment plan and city procedures.
