Several residents attended the December 20 Preston City Council meeting to speak against a request to rezone property owned by Tim Johnston at 216 Brownsville St. NE. Councilman Charles Sparks was absent. Johnston has requested the rezoning of 1.5 acres (three parcels) of his property from R-2 (One and Two Family Residential) to R-1 (Agriculture/Residential). The reason for … [Read more...]
Fillmore County declares State of Emergency
A resolution was adopted at the December 21 Fillmore County Board meeting declaring a state of emergency due to the December 15 wind/tornado events. Sheriff John DeGeorge said the storms resulted in significant public damage. There is an estimate of power damage in the amount of $570,000. DeGeorge noted four tornados were identified just in Fillmore County. Strong straight … [Read more...]
Chatfield reduces 2022 property tax levy increase to 2.8%
At the December 13 meeting of the Chatfield City Council the final 2022 tax levy and budget were approved/certified. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. The city’s Truth in Taxation Hearing dominated the meeting. The preliminary levy approved in September had an increase of 3.98% for 2022; since then that number has been pared-down to a 2.8% increase, or an increase of $63,088. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County to advertise for proposals for county jail
At the December 14 Fillmore County Board meeting, commissioners approved Request for Proposals advertisement for Architectural Services for design and build for a new or remodeled county jail. Publication of the RFP in the official newspaper will appear in the December 27 and January 3 issues. A committee will review proposals submitted and three firms will be selected to … [Read more...]
Preston 2022 budget/levy review
City Administrator Joe Hoffman gave the annual budget/tax levy presentation at the Preston City Council’s December 6 meeting. The total levy for 2022 is to be $1,080,696, an increase of $46,273 over 2021 or 4.47%. Half of the city’s revenues will come from the tax levy in 2022. Hoffman compared that to 2004, which was the first year he served as administrator. In 2004 only 42% … [Read more...]
Fillmore County ARPA funding options
At the November 23 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, a discussion continued on options for the best use of the American Rescue Plan Act funds received by the county. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reviewed five of these options including broadband, employment options, administration office improvements, HVAC improvements in three county buildings, and automatic … [Read more...]
Chatfield’s garbage bag issue resolved
Bill Hanson, Hanson Waste Removal, addressed the Chatfield City Council at its November 17 meeting about the supply chain problems affecting the purchase of yellow specially marked garbage bags. Councilors Paul Novotny and Josh Broadwater were absent. Yellow custom imprinted bags can’t be reordered on a timely basis or at a reasonable cost for some months into next year. The … [Read more...]
Preston adopts assessment roll for 2021 improvements
City Engineer Brett Grabau led the presentation at the assessment hearing for Preston’s 2021 Street and Utility Improvements. Over 20 residents attended the November 15 public hearing held at the Emergency Services Building. Grabau explained a priority list was produced with the development of the 2012 pavement management plan and the concurrent investigation of utilities. … [Read more...]
Fillmore County broadband expansion proposals
Three broadband providers outlined their proposals at the Fillmore County board’s November 9 meeting. The county has received $4.2 million in American Recovery Act funding. Broadband providers are looking for a portion of this funding to support broadband projects within the county. Much of Fillmore County is still underserved. Corey Hauer, LTD Broadband, said they have … [Read more...]
Lonestone Park playground equipment purchase approved
Approval was given for the purchase of playground equipment for Lonestone Park at the Chatfield City Council’s November 8 meeting. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. Brian Burkholder explained that the city has applied twice for a Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Grant. This grant program provides matching grants to local units of government for 50% of the cost for redevelopment … [Read more...]