End of the year business dominated the agenda at the county board’s December 23 meeting. The 2026 final levy was approved in the amount of $14,551,646 which represents a 5.99% increase over the 2025 levy. This is unchanged from the preliminary levy approved in September.  A resolution was adopted approving the 2026 total budget in the amount of $44,949,276, which … [Read more...]

At the December 15 meeting of the Preston City Council, a resolution was adopted approving the new comprehensive plan. Emily Herold, assistant planner at MSA Professional Services, gave a brief overview of the plan. On November 17 a public hearing was held during a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. The commission recommended final adoption of the 2045 Comprehensive … [Read more...]

At the December 8 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, the 2026 levy was certified in the amount of $2,885,640. This represents an increase of $147,277, or 5.378% over 2025. Councilor Mike Urban was absent from the meeting. City Administrator Michele Peterson presented goals and guidelines for 2026 during the Truth in Taxation hearing. Goals included the maintenance of a … [Read more...]

Fillmore County’s Truth in Taxation (TNT) hearing was held on December 2. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery explained TNT is about budget; it doesn’t address your property and its valuation. Why do local taxing units of government hold these meetings? Because they are required by Minnesota law.  In 1988 the legislature passed a law requiring TNT hearings to encourage … [Read more...]

Possibly before the end of the year the jail project will be complete. At the December 2 meeting of the county board, County Administrator Bobbie Hillery said the sheriff’s team will soon be able to move back to their new offices. The completion of the remodel of the old building is nearly done. Sheriff John DeGeorge looked back reviewing 2025 accomplishments. The master … [Read more...]

The 2026 budget and levy were approved at the city council’s December 1 meeting. Councilman Steve Hall was absent. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton, during the Truth and Taxation public hearing, reviewed highpoints from 2025. This hearing is required by the state for the presentation of the final levy resolution. Some of the highpoints he noted include the implementation … [Read more...]

At the November 25 meeting of the county board, Chief Deputy Lance Boyum requested approval to purchase four 2026 Dodge Durangos at the state bid price through Dodge of Burnsville. Each squad vehicle will cost $38,541, or a total of $154,164 for the four vehicles.  The squads will be built in January and may be delivered in March or April 2026. Funds for the purchases are … [Read more...]

At the November 24 meeting of the Chatfield City Council a proposed reconstruction of the existing tennis court area was discussed. Councilors Pam Bluhm and Dave Frank were absent. If the Chatfield School Board moves forward with the proposed reconstruction of the existing tennis court area, the city council approved a pledge to be a partner by providing a one-time $50,000 … [Read more...]

At the November 17 meeting of the Preston City Council a permit was approved for the Preston Historical Society (PHS) which will allow the consumption of alcohol (bring your own bottle) on the premises. This consumption and display permit will “not” allow the sale of intoxicating liquor on the premises unless a caterer is invited in and sells liquor under its alcohol … [Read more...]