Municipalities within the state must certify the levy to the county auditor on or before five working days after December 20 each year. With that date rapidly approaching, a Rushford budget subcommittee of city staff, Mayor Chris Hallum, and council
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"Where Fillmore County News Comes First"
Online Edition
Thursday, June 20th, 2013
Volume ∞ Issue ∞
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Rushford sets levy, looks for cost savings
Fri, Dec 21st, 2012
Posted in Rushford Government
Posted in Rushford Government
Comments
Last week, the council tabled setting the levy for the 2013 budget to allow for further review of the budget. Following an in-depth discussion of line item areas, the council proceeded with setting the levy at $740,000, a 0 percent increase from 2012.
“I want to thank the budget subcommittee for allowing extra time for this,” noted Councilor Vern Bunke. “I had a number of questions that were answered.
The city intends to move up the budget projections from city departments for 2014 to allow for earlier review and potential cost savings. Should there be additional savings on the 2013 budget, excess funds will go to building up the city’s general fund.
Looking at cost savings, the city has decided not to move forward with the addition of a fifth full-time public works position despite an intense effort put forth by Public Works Director Jeff Copley and a recommendation by staff. The 2013 budget had included funds for the position, but Councilor Vern Bunke questioned the need for the position.
Copley had highlighted the potential cost savings of having the position, citing upcoming levy and infrastructure work on Highway 16 which he believed could be done efficiently in-house rather than contracting the work out. The amount of work that is required to be done is substantial and Copley believes it is best accomplished by transitioning current part-time employee Curt Currier to the full-time position. “We need to get the ball rolling. I don’t have money in the budget for that project,” he stated.
“That highlights what the council has been talking about,” responded Bunke. “We have to get a sense of the entire work flow, so that we have a better sense of how we do plan. How do we stay ahead of the game instead of going to the citizens and saying, ‘This is what we need. Pay for it.’ It’s an opportunity to develop these plans.”
Mayor Chris Hallum disagreed. “It’s the best course forward for the city. We need a talented crew. Give them the tools they need.”
“It is a plan, but it’s not a task resource list,” noted City Administrator Steve Sarvi. “I understand the frustration. We’re doing everything we can to look at the projects and manpower resources are needed. We need staffing in the most efficient manor.”
“I understand the concerns on both sides. I have concerns myself,” noted Councilor Mark Honsey. “ .....
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“I want to thank the budget subcommittee for allowing extra time for this,” noted Councilor Vern Bunke. “I had a number of questions that were answered.
The city intends to move up the budget projections from city departments for 2014 to allow for earlier review and potential cost savings. Should there be additional savings on the 2013 budget, excess funds will go to building up the city’s general fund.
Looking at cost savings, the city has decided not to move forward with the addition of a fifth full-time public works position despite an intense effort put forth by Public Works Director Jeff Copley and a recommendation by staff. The 2013 budget had included funds for the position, but Councilor Vern Bunke questioned the need for the position.
Copley had highlighted the potential cost savings of having the position, citing upcoming levy and infrastructure work on Highway 16 which he believed could be done efficiently in-house rather than contracting the work out. The amount of work that is required to be done is substantial and Copley believes it is best accomplished by transitioning current part-time employee Curt Currier to the full-time position. “We need to get the ball rolling. I don’t have money in the budget for that project,” he stated.
“That highlights what the council has been talking about,” responded Bunke. “We have to get a sense of the entire work flow, so that we have a better sense of how we do plan. How do we stay ahead of the game instead of going to the citizens and saying, ‘This is what we need. Pay for it.’ It’s an opportunity to develop these plans.”
Mayor Chris Hallum disagreed. “It’s the best course forward for the city. We need a talented crew. Give them the tools they need.”
“It is a plan, but it’s not a task resource list,” noted City Administrator Steve Sarvi. “I understand the frustration. We’re doing everything we can to look at the projects and manpower resources are needed. We need staffing in the most efficient manor.”
“I understand the concerns on both sides. I have concerns myself,” noted Councilor Mark Honsey. “ .....
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Letter about R-P Referendum
Fri, Dec 14th, 2012
Posted in Rushford Letter to the Editor
Posted in Rushford Letter to the Editor
To the Editor,
I attended the RP referendum meeting, took the tour of the facilities and listened intently to presenters, numerous questions and answers. I learned new facts and gained greater understanding of what assumptions were used in developi
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Letter about R-P referendum
Fri, Dec 14th, 2012
Posted in Rushford Letter to the Editor
Posted in Rushford Letter to the Editor
To the Editor,
When I mentioned to a proponent that increased taxes for a new school are problematic for people on a fixed income, she said, “There are a lot of old people with money here. They are just greedy.”
The 2007 flood was absolutel
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Why vote ‘NO’ for R-P Referendum?
Fri, Dec 14th, 2012
Posted in Rushford Commentary
Posted in Rushford Commentary
Ten years ago the residents of the R-P school district, in a bonding referendum, overwhelmingly told the district they wanted their current facilities maintained and improved. Several things the district deemed necessary were done (such as new bleac
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Why vote ‘YES’ for R-P Referendum?
Fri, Dec 14th, 2012
Posted in Rushford Commentary
Posted in Rushford Commentary
By Angela Colbenson
R-P School Board Chair
On December 19, Rushford Peterson school district will be asking their voters to approve up to 15 million dollars to be utilized for building a new elementary building plus utilize a small portion to reha
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R-P referendum forum hits at questions before big vote
Fri, Dec 14th, 2012
Posted in Rushford Features
Posted in Rushford Features
There was a packed house with more than 100 local residents at the second R-P referendum open forum last Monday evening. Administration staff, school board members Angela Colbenson, Daniel Munson, John Nitecki, and Greg Smith, and representatives fr
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First Presbyterian Church in Rushford releases new cookbook
Fri, Dec 14th, 2012
Posted in Rushford Faith & Worship
Posted in Rushford Faith & Worship
First Presbyterian Church of Rushford, along with Trinity Fellowship ELCA and many friends, have compiled a new cookbook, “Chicken N Biscuits and Apple Pie.” Recipes from the congregation’s annual fall dinner are featured, along with histories
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Noel David Larson
Wed, Dec 12th, 2012
Posted in Rushford Obituaries
Posted in Rushford Obituaries
Noel David Larson, 69, of Larkspur, Colorado, passed away November 5, 2012 after a long illness. Noel was born December 25, 1942 to parents Clifford and Ione Larson. He grew up in Choice, MN and graduated from Rushford High School.
Noel worked for
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