Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce Director Stephanie Eggert tendered her resignation, effective year’s end. Eggert has been in the role since August 2023. Chamber President Amy Englehart attended the September 28 council meeting to discuss plans for the seeking of a new Chamber director.
“The Chamber board is working through the transition and next steps,” said Englehart. “I would like to formally request that the Chamber be put on the agenda of a future city and EDA (Economic Development Authority) meeting. We would like the opportunity to give you an update and talk about our plans moving forward and discuss how we can continue working together to support our local businesses. We truly value the partnership between the Chamber and the city and want to make sure we are communicating openly and working together through this transition.”
Mayor Leigh Volkman noted that part of City Administrator Hayden Stensgard’s primary position is to serve as a liaison between the Chamber and city. No action was taken by the council at this time.
The council did unanimously approve a one-year membership contract with the Southeast Service Cooperative. The coop states on its website that it helps organizations, including municipalities through “shared expertise, regional partnerships, and collaborative services.” Stensgard proposed the membership which comes with a no-cost waiver the first year. Entering into the membership contract does not obligate the city to future annual memberships or related costs.
Stensgard suggested the city could utilize professional development assistance for large project contracts, professional development training, and a mutual healthcare program. He’s also hoping the city can find some cost savings. The coop membership is limited to council members, city employees, and members of boards and commissions. The normal membership fee is $335 per year.
“Consider that, see what they have to offer, have some meetings with them in the future and if it’s not the right fit, we’re not locked in,” said Stensgard.
In regards to 2027, the council formally approved the preliminary budget and levy for next year. It was set at a 6% increase, representing $1,266,764. This is the maximum the city can increase the tax levy for 2027, but the council may reduce the final amount. The rate is expected to go down. A Truth in Taxation meeting was scheduled for the first council meeting in December.
During the consent agenda, the council also touched on work with Mead & Hunt at the municipal airport. The engineers are monitoring a Department of Natural Resources boundary project for land the state acquired adjacent to the airport. The council was asked to previously cost share on a survey, but denied the request since a formal survey was scheduled for later in the project.
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