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...]
Fillmore County Housing Study
EDA Director Marty Walsh summarized the recently completed Fillmore County Housing Study at the county board’s November 12 meeting. Maxfield Research and Consulting, LLC prepared the housing study analysis. It concludes with recommendations on the types of housing needed in the county, both now and in the future. The summary begins with an analysis of the county’s … [Read more...]
Citizen Alert System in Chatfield
At the November 12 Chatfield City Council meeting Brian Burkholder encouraged Chatfield residents to go to the city’s website and enroll in the Citizen Alert System through Rochester Alert. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. The alert system sends out notifications of snowplowing, water breaks, and street closings. The system especially aids in the notification of those who … [Read more...]
Preston 2020 ambulance purchase
The Preston City Council, at their November 4 meeting, approved a motion to move forward to get a formal state bid proposal for the purchase of a new ambulance in 2020. Ambulance director Ryan Throckmorton explained the 2008 ambulance that was purchased in 2011 is not reliable as the primary rig; it has had mechanical/suspension issues. Once an ambulance is ordered, it will … [Read more...]
Beaver Creek WMA addition
At the November 5 County Board meeting, Brandon Schad, Minnesota DNR, notified the board of a property donation to be added to the DNR Beaver Creek Wildlife Management Area. The donation of 52.81 acres is from Pheasants Forever, having received an appropriation from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage (Legacy) Council funding for the land purchase. The board does not have to … [Read more...]
Chatfield and Preston promote projects for state bonding
The Senate Capital Investment Committee tour visited Fillmore County on Wednesday, October 6. Chatfield EDA made their pitch for Phase II plans for the Chatfield Center for the Arts and Preston promoted a Preston to Carimona segment of the bike trail along with an ask for additional funding for the future veterans home. Center for the Arts Michael Martin made it clear … [Read more...]