Departmental budgets for 2025 again dominated discussion at the county board’s August 13 meeting. At the last meeting, County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reported that preliminary 2025 budget numbers may result in a 9.3% levy increase. Commissioner Randy Dahl suggested departments have been presenting very accurate budgets. He added there are likely just two ways to reduce … [Read more...]

County Engineer Ron Gregg discussed the proposed purchase of an active sand pit in section 30 of Rushford Village at the board’s August 6 meeting. The county has been buying its sand to be used for winter snowplow operations from the current owners of this pit. The board approved a motion to go forward with a purchase agreement to purchase the 11.58-acre sand pit at a lump sum … [Read more...]

At the July 23 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, Stephanie Morse, Harmony Public Library director, told commissioners that the county gets “a lot of bang for your buck at Fillmore County libraries.” Morse broke down the value of library materials and services; the total value of library use according to her figures is about $3.8 million. Her values included books borrowed … [Read more...]

At the July 15 meeting of the Preston City Council, City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton described the condition of Golfview Dr. and Windmill Rd. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent. When construction of the veterans home began, Golfview Dr. and Windmill Rd. were the only access to the future site of the home.  Actually, at that time they were the primary access, and it was believed … [Read more...]

Bill Spitzer, Semcac director of transportation, reviewed the availability of public transit in Chatfield at the city council’s July 8 meeting. Three services are available including Rolling Hills Transit bus service, Careavan medical transport, and the volunteer driver program. He concentrated his remarks on Rolling Hills Transit. There are 13 buses in the system that are … [Read more...]

At the July 9 county board meeting Kathryn Frette was hired as the new county assessor effective August 5. Frette has worked as an Olmsted County appraiser for more than 20 years and also worked one year for LaSueur County. She has her AMA (Accredited Minnesota Assessor) license and is nearing the end of the process to obtain her SAMA (Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor) … [Read more...]

The first of the county’s department heads reviewed their proposed 2025 budget at the July 2 meeting of the county board. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery noted that insurance for employees is projected to go up 30%, which will be the majority of the increase in the 2025 budget. The general wage increase is set at 3% for budgeting purposes. Finance Director Christy … [Read more...]

At the June 20 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission, public hearings were held on a rezoning request and a conditional use permit application. Peter Swartzentruber, section 5 of Preston Township, applied to rezone his property from Ag to General Commercial (B-1). The property is on the edge of the east city limits of Preston. Swartzentruber, who was not present … [Read more...]

After considerable discussion during past city council meetings, Ordinance 471 was approved at the city council’s June 24 meeting. Councilor Dave Frank was absent. This ordinance regulates the use of motorized golf carts on public streets and public areas within the city. A permit is required for the operator; the issuance and use of a disabled permit is allowed in certain … [Read more...]