At the January 17 meeting of the Preston City Council, annual reviews of four departments were presented. Jim Bakken, utility general manager, reported on Preston Public Utilities (PPU). PPU operates a three-megawatt power plant serving 800 customers. It is in the process of burying major feeders and recently replaced electric cable on the south hill. PPU also operates water … [Read more...]
Fillmore County approves cell phones for Community Services
At the January 10 meeting of the county board, a two-year contract was approved with First Net. The contract includes 20 phones at a cost of $44.99 per month per phone plus $3 per month for each device license. The estimated total monthly charge with fees is $1,094.27. Jessica Erickson, director of nursing, will get 13 phones for her department. She requested a two-year pilot … [Read more...]
Preston Veterans Home 80% complete
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) provided a quarterly update on the Preston Veterans Home on January 10. Administrator Dave Dunn has been hired and has a temporary office at 216 Main Street in Preston (the old movie theater). The 54 bed facility may open in mid-June. The building is expected to be substantially completed by the end of March. The home is … [Read more...]
John McBroom sworn in as Chatfield’s new mayor
Former Mayor Russ Smith opened the January 9 meeting of the Chatfield city council. Joel Young administered the oath of office to the newly elected mayor, John McBroom. McBroom honored Smith with a plaque for his distinguished service to the community over many years. Young administered the oath of office to reelected councilors Paul Novotny and Mike Urban. McBroom gave a … [Read more...]
Preston seats newly elected members
The Preston City Council has seen some turnover. Members that had been appointed to fill seats vacated by a retirement and a death have now been filled with officially elected members. At the January 3 meeting, newly elected members Steve Hall and Flossie Schultz and re-elected Mayor Kurt Reicks and councilman Charles Sparks recited the oath of office. Appointments to the … [Read more...]
Fillmore County conducts new year annual business
At the January 3 meeting of the Fillmore County board, newly elected officials and a new county recorder were sworn in. Judge Jeremy Clinefelter administered the oath of office to the recently appointed county recorder Roxane Kraling and re-elected officials including county attorney Brett Corson and commissioners Randy Dahl and Duane Bakke. Larry Hindt was elected to serve as … [Read more...]
Chatfield residents show up in support of their park
Seven citizens showed up at a special city council meeting on December 20 in support of their neighborhood park, Shady Oak Park. City Engineer Craig Britton explained the future of the park has become an issue as related to the planned 2023 Street Project. Grand St. SE, Hawley St. SE, and Prospect St. will be part of the improvement project. Shady Oak Park can be accessed … [Read more...]
Preston completes year end business
The December 19 city council meeting was not held in council chambers due to ongoing repairs and waterproofing of Preston City Hall. Members did meet in the city office area. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton led a discussion informing the council about planned reconstruction work for a new entrance for the veterans home. City staff has been working with the Minnesota … [Read more...]
Fillmore County approves 2023 budget and levy
At the December 20 meeting of the Fillmore County Board and the last meeting of 2022, the 2023 budget and levy were approved. The total 2023 levy which includes $119,773 Disparity Aid is $12,399,295. This is an increase of 3.95 % over 2022. The budget includes a 4.5 % cost of living increase for non-union employees, which was approved this day. Total revenues and total … [Read more...]
Fillmore County reviews 2022, presents goals for 2023
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery detailed past operations and county goals and objectives at the Truth in Taxation public hearing on December 13. Hillery focused on the installation of updated or upgraded technology for improved cyber security. The contract with Schneider Geospatial is continued to provide data and access to information without cost to the taxpayer who … [Read more...]
