At the September 15 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, Fred Suhler, Jr. was honored for his long service to Chatfield as city attorney. Councilors Mike Urban and Dave Frank were absent. Mayor John McBroom presented Suhler with a certificate of appreciation recognizing him for 27 years of service to the city and its residents. He was congratulated on his retirement and … [Read more...]

The proposed 2027 budget and levy was presented with a 5% increase at the September 8 meeting of the city council. This would amount to an increase of $67,267 over the 2026 budget. Councilman Steve Hall said he didn’t think the proposed budget was realistic, adding he didn’t know what a fair number is. He continued to maintain that the city’s Comprehensive Plan should be … [Read more...]

During the Citizens Input portion of the September 1 board meeting, Reverend Anders E. Nelson of the Mabel-Henrytown Tri-Point Parish accompanied by people from the area spoke in support of free and fair elections. He said he is hoping to ground people with the facts. Nelson said, “We want to be visible and build connections with the board. We want the board to be accountable … [Read more...]

The August 25 meeting of the Fillmore County Board began with a moment of silence to remember Commissioner Larry Hindt who recently passed after a long illness. Budgets were reviewed for the Sheriff’s Office, Veterans Services Office, Public Health, Human Services, and Administration. Sheriff John DeGeorge said he wants to add funding for Wellness. It will require a mandatory … [Read more...]

At the August 24 meeting of the city council Interim City Administrator Michelle Marotzke was given the go ahead to look into a possible Purchase Option Agreement with the Fillmore Central School District. The Swimming Pool Committee has recommended looking into the possible purchase of land north of the ball field (soccer field) at Fillmore Elementary School. Marotzke made … [Read more...]

At the August 20 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission Nathan and Katie Drewitz of Chatfield Township requested a conditional use permit for a farm winery. The couple has a business plan for the future Chosen Valley Winery. They currently have rows of grapes on about a half-acre. They have plans to grow their acreage and their business. There were no comments … [Read more...]

At the August 24 meeting of the city council, proposed revisions to the residential utility billing policy were approved. Councilors Mike Urban and Josh Broadwater were absent. The billing policy approved in 2017 was revised to include updated provisions; the revised policy will supersede the policy adopted on March 27, 2017. Residential customers will be billed monthly for … [Read more...]

Two proposals for city attorney were considered at the August 10 meeting of the Chatfield City Council. Councilor Pam Bluhm was absent. The proposals for civil legal services had been submitted by Flaherty & Hood, P.A. and GDO Law. City Administrator Michele Peterson recommended Flaherty & Hood after a review of both firms. Flaherty & Hood is a larger firm but has … [Read more...]

County Administrator Bobbie Hillery provided an early preliminary budget percentage increase for 2027 at the county board’s August 11 meeting. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent and Commissioner Duane Bakke participated through Zoom. The spreadsheet provided by Hillery shows a levy increase of over 12%. The county does not have a firm number on health insurance costs yet, … [Read more...]