At the December 17 meeting of the Fillmore County Board, the final 2020 budget and levy was approved with no real changes from the preliminary numbers. County Administrator Bobbie Vickerman reported the numbers: the total 2020 budget is $32,872,530, which includes the tax levy, other sources of revenue, and state and federal funding. The final levy payable in 2020 totals … [Read more...]
Preston sets final levy for 2020
City Administrator Joe Hoffman began by noting one adjustment in the budget that will not affect the levy increase at the December 16 city council meeting. While working with Mike Bubany on the update to the capital financing plan, they determined that the $22,000 allocation for the storm water fund was no longer needed in 2020. The storm water fund balance will be positive … [Read more...]
Chatfield citizens express their concerns
At the December 9 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, during the Truth in Taxation public hearing, numerous citizens took the opportunity to express their concerns and pose questions related to rising property taxes. City Clerk Joel Young gave an in-depth budget presentation, both looking back at 2019 and looking forward to 2020 and beyond. Construction of the new … [Read more...]
County looks at tobacco/vaping issue
Brenda Pohlman, Public Health educator, updated commissioners on the growing trend of electronic vaping devices and the growing use of these devices by young people at the December 3 County Board meeting. Pohlman brought a number of devices, most of which had been confiscated in local schools, to show the variety of devices available. The battery operated electronic devices … [Read more...]
County Truth in Taxation hearing
Fillmore County held its Truth in Taxation public hearing on December 3. This hearing is required by state law and is to be held after proposed tax notices for the coming year are sent out. It is an opportunity for property owners to participate and discuss budget and tax issues before the final levy is adopted. Several people who showed up for the hearing were there to … [Read more...]
Preston presents 2020 tax levy
City Administrator Joe Hoffman presented numbers for the 2020 budget and levy at the council’s December 2 meeting. The Truth in Taxation hearing is required by state law to allow the public to comment before the adoption of the final budget and levy. No one from the public was present to comment on the preliminary budget and levy. The final budget and levy will be adopted at … [Read more...]
County to move forward with jail needs study
At the November 26 County Board meeting, the future of the county jail was again discussed. A contract with Tom Weber, independent contractor, to assist with a jail needs study was approved. The contract with the consultant/facilitator will run from December 1, 2019, to November 30, 2020. Sheriff John DeGeorge said we need someone during the needs study to ask the right … [Read more...]
Chatfield grows its tax capacity
At the November 25 Chatfield City Council meeting, City Clerk Joel Young reviewed the proposed 2020 budget/levy and financial plans for years into the future. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. A reduction of $42,500 has been made since the preliminary budget numbers were approved. Young explained three items are notable for the effect they have on budget increases for … [Read more...]
Affordable housing leads to economic vitality
SE MN Together and the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund hosted two informational meetings concerning housing and a growing workforce (November 6 in Northfield and November 14 in Spring Valley). Several speakers and panels provided information pertaining to the relationship between adequate affordable housing and the attraction and maintenance of an adequate workforce. Many … [Read more...]
Preston concern with Highway 52 speed limit
At the November 18 meeting of the Preston City Council, the recent increase of the speed limit to 60 mph north and south of Preston was discussed. Councilman Charles Sparks was absent. City Administrator Joe Hoffman noted MnDOT had conducted a speed study in 2010. MnDOT sets speed limits according to what drivers are actually driving. It is the free flow speed that drivers … [Read more...]