Jason Boynton, Smith Schafer and Associates, delivered an unmodified, clean opinion during his review of the city’s 2016 audit at the council’s April 10 meeting. Chatfield’s tax capacity of $1,619,199 is an increase from 2015 to 2016. The general tax levy makes up 20% of total government revenue. Tax Increment Financing in 2016 was $88,564. Local Government Aid provides 10% … [Read more...]
National Trout Center update
Jeff Broberg, geologist, environmental consultant, and NTC board member, spoke to the Preston City Council about the center’s activities at the council’s April 3 meeting. Broberg, an avid fisherman, named other NTC board members that come together giving their time and energy to make the center work. Board member George Spangler was in the audience. The center was started … [Read more...]
County discusses courthouse security
Sheriff Tom Kaase asked the board to support a grant application to help pay for courthouse security at the board’s April 3 meeting. Commissioner Marc Prestby was absent. It is written in the grant application for state funds that the “Fillmore County Courthouse complex has very limited security.” The grant if awarded could help fund for the first year a dedicated courthouse … [Read more...]
Lt. Governor Smith tours POET
Lt. Governor Tina Smith visited POET in Preston on March 24 to learn more about advances and innovations in the production of ethanol and its effect on the economy. With a background in business, Smith was interested in how the state may be a better partner. General Manager Chris Hanson expressed his enthusiasm about the plant’s production of ethanol and related by products … [Read more...]
County approves solid waste agreement with Harter’s Quick Clean-up
At the March 28 county board meeting, the proposed agreement with Harter’s Quick Clean-up, La Crosse, was discussed at length. The agreement for waste disposal services, rural recycling disposal, recycling, processing and marketing services was approved with some changes and wording corrections. The agreement begins on April 1, 2017 and is initially for five years. Matt … [Read more...]
Chatfield to update website
At the March 27 Chatfield City Council meeting, City Clerk Joel Young discussed a proposal to update the city’s website to make it more appealing and user friendly. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. Vendor GovOffice Content Management System grew out of an initiative of the League of Minnesota Cities. The proposal to construct, maintain, and manage the city’s website will … [Read more...]
A music concert event in Preston
Doug Lind, Fillmore County Fair Board, discussed plans to hold a music concert at the fairgrounds on Saturday, August 12. Councilman David Collett was absent at this March 20 meeting. City Administrator Joe Hoffman reported that he met with Lind, Mayor Kurt Reicks, and Police Chief Matt Schultz last week to discuss the planned concert and the city’s ordinance that regulates … [Read more...]
Variance requests approved
The Fillmore County Planning Commission met for the first time since July 2016. Public hearings were held for two separate variance requests to build a new dwelling on land with a crop equivalency rating (CER) greater than 65 or a variance from Section 604.05 (9) of the county’s zoning ordinance. Since this was the first meeting in 2017, officers were elected. Brad Erickson … [Read more...]
County supports CPA modification bills
The county board, at their March 14 meeting, approved a resolution of support for Senate bill 0479 and companion House bill 609, which would modify County Program Aid from the state should they become law. Senator Jeremy Miller is chief author of the Senate bill and a resolution of support was approved by the board. A county employee will be present to testify in support of … [Read more...]
Chatfield Fire Department modifications
At the March 13 Chatfield City Council meeting, Fire Chief Ryan Priebe detailed recommended minimum benefit requirements, along with a proposal for an annual benefit increase. The Public Service committee recommended minimum requirements for firefighters to qualify for annual service credits. Members must at a minimum attend 18 meetings/trainings and 25% of annual calls. … [Read more...]