At the June 24 meeting of the county board, Jessica Erickson, director of nursing, asked the board to consider new office structures to improve operational needs in her department. Erickson said additional revenues from state and other sources could offset costs of the upgrade so there would be little or no effect on the department’s budget or levy. Three quotes were … [Read more...]
Chatfield Approves Five-Year Street Plan and Issuance of Reconstruction Bonds
Two public hearings were held during the June 23 city council meeting. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, Inc., spoke during the combined public hearing regarding tax abatement and the 2025-2029 street reconstruction plan. The purpose of the hearings was to secure statutory authority for issuing debt. The tax abatement portion identifies … [Read more...]
Preston Sets Deadline for Diseased Tree Removal
At the June 16 meeting of the city counci, the issue of diseased trees (emerald ash borer) remaining on private property was again discussed. In July 2024, letters were sent out to property owners with dead and diseased trees asking property owners to look at their options for the removal of those trees. At this point, about 65% of diseased trees have been removed by property … [Read more...]
Fillmore County to Conduct Jail Tours for the Public
At the June 17 county board meeting Sheriff John DeGeorge said they were planning jail tours for the public on July 7 and 8 from 5-8 p.m. each day. The board accepted those two dates for the jail tours. DeGeorge, Dan Dornink,and Jamie Fenske will conduct the tours. Commissioners will attend, Marc Prestby on Monday and Mitch Lentz on Tuesday. DeGeorge reported they want to … [Read more...]
Chatfield Calls for Public Hearing on Street Reconstruction Plan
At the city council’s June 9 meeting, a resolution was adopted calling for a public hearing on a proposal for a five-year street reconstruction plan and the issuance of general obligation bonds to fund street reconstruction projects. The public hearing is to be held at the June 23 city council meeting. The street construction plan proposal covering the next five years includes … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Budgeting Schedule
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reviewed the budgeting schedule for the 2026 budget at the board’s May 3 meeting. Budgeting plans will include a possible 3% cost of living increase, an estimated 13% to 15% increased insurance cost, and the state requirements for family leave. Hillery explained everything will be put into the budget, which is required to provide a service. … [Read more...]
Chatfield Authorizes Closure of 2022A Construction Fund
The May 27 meeting of the Chatfield City Council was quite brief. The 2022 Water and Storm project was concluded in December 2024. Public Works recommended closing the project. A sum of $53,399.70 will be transferred to the corresponding 2022A Dept Service Fund. Mayor appointments for the Library Board of Trustees include Lisa Martin, Todd Johnson, Ann Halloran, Kathleen … [Read more...]
Planning Commission Approves Propane Facility
The Fillmore County Planning Commission held its first meeting of 2025 on May 22. Trinity Johnson was elected chair and Steve Duxbury was elected vice chair. Board members Trinity Johnson, Gary Ruskell and Richard Junge were absent. John Reinhart, Midwest Industrial Fuels Inc., DBA Consolidated Energy Company, had applied for a conditional use permit for a propane storage and … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Support for Community Heart & Soul Initiative
Allison Whalen, CEDA, encouraged commissioners to write a letter of support for a Seed Grant from Community Heart & Soul Initiative at the board’s May 27 meeting. The EDA is applying for a $10,000 seed grant to start a program to get a perspective from community residents to define those things that they believe matter most for the future of the community. This will be a … [Read more...]
Preston Ordinance Modifications
City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton guided the city council through 11 proposed ordinance modifications at its May 19 meeting. Modifications were made to Ordinances 304 through 314. These changes are available for review on the city’s website at prestonmn.gov/proposed-ordinances/. Ordinance 304: City Code Chapter 112 Tobacco Regulation was repealed as it was outdated and … [Read more...]