Fr. Nicholas Gawarecki, pastor at St. Mary’s of Chatfield, St. Columban of Preston, and the Assumption Catholic Church in Canton, addressed the Fillmore County commissioners at their June 16 meeting. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent.
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery explained she has been communicating with Pasrtor Gawarecki about the county’s assessment policy; she said the assessor followed county policy. The applications for abatement in question were for the parsonages that are owned by each of the Chatfield and Preston churches. It is required for the churches to reapply for exemption every three years.
Accessor Ryan Rasmussen had denied each of the applications for abatement due to the fact they had not been submitted in a timely manner. Applications for exemption had been sent out but not received by the assessor’s office from St. Mary’s or St. Columban.
The next step in the process is to appeal to the county board. Pastor Gawarecki explained he is a new priest; he started here on July 1, 2025. He said he didn’t know anything about the situation when he came; there also was a lot of staff turnover at the time.
Commissioner Duane Bakke made a motion to approve the abatements due to the circumstances. Abatements were approved for both the St. Mary’s and St. Columban rectory properties.
Other Business in Brief
•An Absentee Ballot Board was established for the 2026 election cycle. Auditor/Treasurer Heather Broadwater said there will be sufficient judges as provided by statute with party balance throughout the absentee ballot process.
•Maintenance Supervisor Terry Schultz provided three quotes for the replacement of two aged boilers that are old, making it difficult to find parts, with high efficiency condensing boilers at the Fillmore County Office Building. The lowest quote from WHV, Inc. in the amount of $72,490 was approved.
•The resignation of Christina Bothun, Adult Social Worker Lead, was approved with thanks, effective July 9.
•Erin McKay was hired as a replacement RN, effective July 27.
•Hillery provided a schedule for the 2027 budgeting process, which was approved. Department heads will come before the board with their proposed budgets over the summer. The preliminary tax levy for taxes payable in 2027 must be approved before the end of September. The Truth in Taxation hearing will be on December 1. The final 2027 budget and levy is scheduled to be adopted on December 22.
•Approval was given for staff of the assessor’s office to attend the Minnesota Association of Assessment Personnel (MAAP) Conference in August.
•The 2026 Boat Water Safety Grant in the amount of $2,311 was approved. Sheriff John DeGeorge explained the funds are used to pay for overtime shifts for water patrol.
•Funding for infrastructure projects within the 2026 Minnesota legislature’s bonding bill included $2 million for the rehabilitation of the historic Forestville bridge.
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