Fillmore County Assessor Jason McCaslin addressed the city council and the public at the April 19 meeting. He made it clear that it is his objective and required by state statute to have each property owner liable for his/her fair share of the tax burden, no more/no less. Councilman David Collett was absent. McCaslin gave an overview of property values and adjustments being … [Read more...]
Outdoor concerts in Chatfield
At the Chatfield City Council’s April 12 meeting, Carla Gallina, president of the board of directors for the Chatfield Center for the Arts, requested approval to use the bandshell area in City Park for two upcoming events. The outdoor concerts are scheduled for April 30 (featuring Myra Burnette) and June 18 (featuring Galactic Cowboy Orchestra). State health guidelines will be … [Read more...]
Country inn/retreat in Holt Township
A public hearing was held by the Fillmore County Planning Commission on April 8 for a conditional use permit application for a country inn/retreat. Derrick and Christine Hongerholt own the Bluff Country Retreat located in section 10, Holt Township, in the Ag District about a mile east of Whalan. The property offers 4,500 square feet for a group retreat. There is a … [Read more...]
Fillmore County recognized for “Excellence in Recycling”
Certificates of recognition were presented to engineering and maintenance from the Minnesota Office of the Governor at the Fillmore County Board’s April 13 meeting. The certificates received by County Engineer Ron Gregg and Highway Maintenance Supervisor Brent Kohn were given in recognition of the “Excellence in Recycling” demonstrated through a successful partnership with … [Read more...]
Rushford Village receives bridge report; preps for road tour
The annual bridge report from Fillmore County garnered the majority of discussion at the April 6 Rushford Village Council meeting. Public Works Supervisor Trenton Chiglo noted he’d reviewed the report and it appeared correct with his assessments. One bridge, on the east end of Ridgeview Road, had specific deficiencies noted. “It has settled and there’s a section of iron … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Jail needs information on YouTube video
The Jail Needs Assessment Committee and subcommittees have been meeting for more than a year to gather data and to analyze that data to determine what is the best course forward for the county jail. The 17 minute video was presented at the county board’s April 6 meeting. Sheriff John DeGeorge has been presenting information at city council meetings and plans to speak to other … [Read more...]
Preston Historical Society proposal to restore the depot
Sheila Craig, Preston Historical Society, presented a proposal for the possible acquisition and transport of the Spring Grove rail depot to the former Preston Dairy & Farm site during the city council’s April 5 meeting. Jon DeVries added extensively to the discussion, strongly encouraging the council to agree to the use of the Dairy & Farm site. She said it is a twin … [Read more...]
State Veterans Home in Fillmore County no longer just a dream
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released the State Home Construction Grants for 2021. Governor Tim Walz announced on March 30 that the three proposed new State Veteran Homes will each receive federal funding this year. The veterans home in Preston will be the only skilled nursing home for veterans in southeast Minnesota. Walz said, “We are pleased to be able to expand … [Read more...]
Fillmore County SSTS amendments approved
The Fillmore County Planning Commission held a public hearing on proposed amendments to the county’s Sub-Surface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance at their March 18 meeting. The language regarding escrow accounts resulted in the most discussion. When a property is sold or transferred the SSTS must be inspected. If a SSTS is found to be non-compliant, it must be brought up to … [Read more...]
Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclaimed in Fillmore County
Fillmore County proclaims April 2021 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month at their March 23 meeting. Sarah Monroe, Victim Services, and Kari Berg, Corrections, reported that sexual assault is widespread. The three county area (Dodge, Fillmore, and Olmsted) of victim services served about 600 victims of sexual violence in 2020. Sexual Assault Awareness Month was first observed … [Read more...]
Chatfield accepts 2020 audit report
Jason Boynton, Smith-Schafer & Associates, LTD., reviewed Chatfield’s financial summary for 2020 at the city council’s March 22 meeting. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. The city received an unmodified “clean” opinion for 2020. The city’s tax capacity increased from 2019 to over $2 million. The general tax levy revenues represented 49% of the total governmental revenues. … [Read more...]
Preston approves bid for 2021 street and utility project
City Engineer Brett Grabau explained at the March 15 Preston City Council meeting that the city had received three bids for the 2021 Street and Utility Project. The low bid was submitted by Alcon Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $3,107,040.97 for the main project and $55,055.05 for the alternate project (retaining walls). The bid was lower than the engineer’s estimate, which … [Read more...]
Rushford receives project updates
At the March 8 Rushford Council meeting, Public Works Director Roger Knutson presented a list of projects undertaken by the department in 2020. “You’d think it would be slow because of COVID, but I think it was the busiest year we’ve had, because of COVID,” said Knutson. Utilities comprise a sizable portion of work for the department. The city’s system breaks down into what … [Read more...]
Chatfield approves subdivision expansion and mixed use property
A public hearing was held at the March 9 meeting of the Chatfield City Council concerning the proposal to expand the “Hilltop Estates Third Subdivision” to nine lots. G-Cubed Development requested the development agreement approved in August of 2020 be amended to include two blocks and nine lots on about 4.43 acres. Craig Britton, City Engineer and Planner, explained there … [Read more...]
Fillmore County assessment changes
Fillmore County Assessor Jason McCaslin presented a detailed review of 2021 assessment changes before the county commissioners at the March 9 board meeting. McCaslin explained his office is required to maintain the Median Sales Ratio between 90-105% in jurisdictions with six or more sales. If a jurisdiction is found to be out of compliance by the State Board of Equalization, … [Read more...]