Financial Advisor Mike Bubany used a software program to demonstrate various financial outcomes for the city of Preston at Preston City Council’s January 21 meeting. He plugged in different capital expenditures over a period of years and the affect they could have on the city’s tax rate, levy, and utility rates. Councilman David Collett was absent. No one from the public … [Read more...]
Citizens air their opinions
At the January 14 Fillmore County Board meeting 10, citizens came forward to speak on three different subjects. Refugee resettlement Seven citizens encouraged the board to consent to refugee resettlement. President Trump signed executive order 13888 (Enhancing State and Local Involvement in Refugee Resettlement) in September 2019. The order stipulates that refugees are to … [Read more...]
A second option for Preston landfill material
Tony Severson, S & S Sanitation, expressed concern about an increase in the tipping fee at the Fillmore County Resource Recovery Center at the January 13 Preston City Council meeting. The city has a five-year contract with S & S Sanitation which requires landfill material to be taken to the Resource Recovery Center. However, the county board recently approved a 25% … [Read more...]
Chatfield upgrades WWTP computer system
At the January 13 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a proposed upgrade of the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s (WWTP) Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system was approved. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. Due to the fact that Microsoft is ending its support of Windows 7, an upgrade for security purposes is necessary. The original SCADA system, which … [Read more...]
County conducts new year annual business
County Administrator Bobbie Vickerman called the first county board meeting of 2020 to order on January 7. Marc Prestby was elected board chair and Randy Dahl was elected vice-chair. Vickerman announced a Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) staffing change. Marty Walsh came forward with his replacement, Chris Hahn. Hahn who has been with CEDA for about six … [Read more...]
County approves final 2020 budget and levy
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...]