Over the next couple of months Fillmore County department heads will come before the board with their proposed budgets for 2021. This process began at the board’s July 14 meeting with the finance department. Finance Director Lori Affeldt presented the relatively new department’s budget for the first time. There are two staff members in this department. Early budget estimates … [Read more...]
County gathers COVID related invoices
At the July 7 Fillmore County Board meeting, Administrator Bobbie Hillery reported that Fillmore County received over $2.5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF). The federal funds totaling $841 million have been distributed by the state to counties, cities, and townships to cover expenses incurred due to the pandemic. This is a portion of the state’s allocation which was … [Read more...]
Preston’s 2021 Street and Utility Improvement Project unresolved
The Preston City Council met July 6 in person in the apparatus bay of the fire hall to accommodate social distancing guidelines. About 20 residents attended to participate in a public hearing concerning the 2021 Street and Utility Project. Owners of over 100 properties could be affected by the proposed improvements. The public hearing portion of the meeting was streamed over … [Read more...]
2019, a good year for Chatfield Center for the Arts
Carla Gallina, President, and Michael Martin, Vice-President of the board of directors presented the Center for the Arts annual report at the city council’s June 22 meeting. Gallina said the board has adopted a new mission and vision statement in an effort to identify who they are. Their mission is, “to serve as a regional hub for advancement of the arts...” and their vision … [Read more...]
Approval recommended for MiEnergy telecommunications tower
The Fillmore County Planning Commission met via WebEx for their June 19 meeting. A public hearing was held on a MiEnergy application for a conditional use permit (CUP) for a telecommunications tower. At the May 21 meeting of the Board of Adjustment, variances for setbacks from the property line and the road were approved for the construction of this tower. The variances were … [Read more...]
2020 voting options discussed
During the April 23 Fillmore County Board meeting, Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Jones explained there have been many questions from citizens concerning voting in the upcoming 2020 primary and general elections. Jones said she has received over 300 applications for absentee ballots. Application for an absentee ballot can be accepted online. Also, everything will be in place for … [Read more...]
Board of Appeal and Equalization
Fillmore County’s five commissioners and Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Jones were sworn in as the County Board of Appeal and Equalization convened on June 23. County Assessor Jason McCaslin explained the purpose of this board is to provide a fair and objective forum to ensure equalization of assessment. Market values may be increased or decreased or property may be reclassified. … [Read more...]
Chatfield pool opens to everyone
The Chatfield City Council, after considerable debate, voted to open the swimming pool to everyone, at their June 16 special meeting. The motion was approved by a 4-1 vote (Mike Urban voted no). The pool will be open to everyone, the “Open to Chatfield School District Only” sign will be removed. Starting Friday June 19, everyone must have an account with MyRec and all funds … [Read more...]
2018 Audit Presentation
The Fillmore County Board met in person with the availability of electronic participation for their June 9 meeting. The 2018 audit prepared by CliftonLarsonAllen, LLC was presented by Craig Popenhagen, Laura Buechner, and Miranda Wendlandt. The county received an unmodified, clean, opinion on its financial statements. The 2018 audit was delayed, normally it should be filed … [Read more...]
Swimming Pool Preparedness Plan approved
At the June 8 Chatfield City Council meeting, a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan was approved for the swimming pool, which is one of the last steps needed to open the pool. Brian Burkholder said the pool has been inspected and once the Preparedness Plan is submitted to Olmsted County the pool could open at 50% capacity (189 people). The plan details how the pool will operate during … [Read more...]