About a dozen property owners attended the public hearing regarding the Fillmore County 2019 budget and levy. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman reviewed 2018 county activities and the 2019 proposed budget. One 2018 highlight is the active participation in legislation that resulted in a significant increase in County Program Aid for 2018 and 2019 and a leveling of CPA from … [Read more...]
Chatfield certifies 2019 Levy
City Clerk Joel Young reported on the proposed 2019 budget and levy during the Truth in Taxation hearing at the city council’s December 10 meeting. This will be the council’s last meeting of the year. The city staff budget will cause a tax levy increase of 4.97%; these increases are structural and driven by inflation. The main driver of the tax levy increase for 2019 will be … [Read more...]
Preston Veterans Home predesign shared, questions answered
A capacity crowd filled the Servicemen’s Club on the morning of December 6 to hear from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and design firms tasked with designing the Preston Veterans Home. This meeting’s purpose was to update members of the community on the process and to give them an opportunity to ask questions. Ron Scheevel, co-chair of the Veterans Home … [Read more...]
Proposed hog feedlot controversy continues, decision imminent
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) held another meeting to allow the public to express their concerns and to pose questions at the Mabel Community Center on December 4. Similar to the June 19 informational MPCA meeting, concerned citizens packed the community center once again. During the first public comment period, 771 written comments were received by the MPCA. … [Read more...]
Preston 2019 budget/levy presented
City Administrator Joe Hoffman presented details of the proposed 2019 budget/levy at the city council’s December 3 meeting. The presentation was an opportunity for the public to hear the details and to make comments on the proposed budget/levy, as required by state law. No one from the public attended this meeting. The proposed levy includes a 5% increase over 2018, or an … [Read more...]
Sidewalk issue in Chatfield
As part of the 2019 Highway 52 improvement project, installation of a sidewalk on the west side of the highway from Highway 30 north to the southern edge of the north entrance to the car dealership (near the city limits), has become an issue for some property owners in Chatfield. The city council at its November 26 meeting after a lengthy discussion decided to support requests … [Read more...]
County Truth in Taxation hearing to be held December 11
At the county board’s November 27 meeting, scheduling for upcoming meetings was discussed. The Truth in Taxation hearing will be held December 11, 6 p.m., after an afternoon board meeting. This is an opportunity for citizens to hear a report on next year’s budget and levy and a review of the current year. The hearing gives the public an opportunity to become more informed about … [Read more...]
Planning Commission recommends approval of event center near Spring Valley
At the November 15 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission, Linnea Weiser described her plans to open a wedding/corporate event center at the former Root River Country Club location, which is about two miles northeast of Ostrander in Section 21, Bloomfield Township. During the public hearing she explained that she intends to rent out the 40-foot x 60-foot building … [Read more...]
Veterans home funding limitations
At a relatively brief November 13 Fillmore County Board meeting, the size limitations due to funding for the proposed veterans home in Preston were discussed. Commissioner Duane Bakke reported on a November 8 planning meeting in Preston with representatives from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. The proposal for a 72 bed home may not be possible due to limited … [Read more...]
Chatfield Capital Improvements Plan
At the November 13 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a Capital Improvements Plan submitted by Mike Bubany, David Drown and Associates, was distributed. It was not discussed at this city council meeting. It summarizes the city’s financial condition and provides a tool to evaluate the feasibility of future capital improvement projects and purchases. Bubany finds the city … [Read more...]