At the December 20 meeting of the Planning Commission, the public had an opportunity to comment on the proposed amendment to the Fillmore County subsurface sewage treatment system (SSTS) ordinance. The proposed amended language in Sale or Transfer of Real Estate, Section 803, will make it less likely that any transfers of real estate will fall through the cracks without a SSTS … [Read more...]
Legislators listen to county priorities
Minnesota Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller listened to Fillmore County department heads describe concerns that they feel are important to address in the upcoming legislative session. Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) government relations manager Matt Hilgart provided a ranking from 11 southeast Minnesota counties (district IX). The number one legislative … [Read more...]
Preston certifies final levy
At the December 18 Preston City Council meeting, during a discussion on the 2019 budget, there was a disagreement about the budget line item for the National Trout Center. Councilman David Collett suggested the NTC budget should be cut by $10,000. The total 2018 budget for the NTC was $26,500, which also includes EDA funding. Mayor Kurt Reicks argued that the NTC was a … [Read more...]
DNR schedules special late season deer hunts
In an effort to control the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the core area, the DNR has scheduled special late season hunts for December 21-23 and December 28-30. These hunts will be in permit areas 603, 347, and 348 plus portions of deer permit areas 343 and 345 that are south of Interstate 90. The focus will be on the primary core area between Preston and Lanesboro, … [Read more...]
County reviews list of legislative priorities
At the December 11 County Board meeting, commissioners reviewed a list of 2019 legislative priorities. At their upcoming December 18 meeting, Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller will be present to hear the county’s legislative preferences. Commissioner Duane Bakke noted the priority list document grows year to year. He suggested that next year there be more discussion … [Read more...]
County Truth in Taxation hearing
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...]