At the December 20 board meeting, the last of 2016, the board approved a five year contract with Harter’s Quick Clean Up for solid waste hauling and recycling. Terry Schultz, Building Maintenance Supervisor/Solid Waste Administrator reviewed two proposals which had been submitted. Harter’s services will cost $504,746.15, which is about $145 higher than the proposal submitted … [Read more...]
Special deer hunt within Preston city limits
The possibility of allowing archery hunting within the Preston city limits during the special hunt being held by the DNR was debated at the city council’s December 19 meeting. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent. City Administrator Joe Hoffman noted a few deer harvested north of Preston tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Therefore, the DNR has authorized a special … [Read more...]
Legislators listen to county’s wish list
Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller visited the county board at the December 13 meeting to hear the county’s legislative priorities for 2017. County coordinator Bobbie Vickerman explained that each year the county and the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) draft a list of legislative priorities. The top priority for the county and the AMC is once again County … [Read more...]
Fairness and integrity are essential in the election process
As I take a look back at the 2016 election, two issues should be examined to assure future free and fair elections. First, we should have a constructive and bipartisan discussion about the benefits of the Electoral College. We are in a time of instant information and communication. When our forefathers drafted the Constitution, it was a time of very limited communication. … [Read more...]
County Truth in Taxation hearing
The annual Truth in Taxation public hearing was held on December 13. County coordinator Bobbie Vickerman presented an overview of 2016 and took a look into 2017. During 2016, the county has been active in efforts to get the formula for County Program Aid revised by state. County aid was increased in 2016, but like many rural counties, Fillmore County has seen reductions in CPA … [Read more...]
Chatfield adopts 2017 budget and levy
At the December 12 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, City Clerk Joel Young took a look back at 2016 and ahead to 2017. During the Truth in Taxation hearing, Young detailed capital acquisitions made in 2016, topping the list was the purchase of a pumper/rescue truck. Some of the other capital expenditures included the replacement of the front steps of the Thurber Building … [Read more...]
Preston property tax increase questioned
Marc Sather, Jailhouse Inn, insisted that the 11% increase in his property taxes is too high. He raised numerous questions at the Preston City Council’s December 6 meeting. City Administrator Joe Hoffman reviewed the numbers in the preliminary budget/levy for 2017 during the city’s Truth in Taxation public hearing. The total levy for 2017 is expected to be $831,494, or a … [Read more...]
Chatfield takes out water revenue note
The Chatfield City Council approved a loan agreement with the Bank of Zumbrota for a $425,000 General Obligation Water Revenue Note to finance the city’s water meter project, which includes the replacement of water meters and meter reading equipment and software. Councilor Ken Jacobson was absent. City Clerk Joel Young explained that the Minnesota Rural Water “Modified” … [Read more...]
Rushford Village looks to fill committees
The Rushford Village council will continue at with Mayor Gordon Johnson at the helm for at least another four years. The November 8 election did however see the replacement of incumbent Todd Baker (108 votes) with Mike Ebner (360 votes) for one of the two seats up for grabs. Incumbent Dennis Overland will serve another term as councilor after receiving the most votes (387). The … [Read more...]
Chatfield accepts bid for drainage ditch improvements
At the November 14 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a bid from Griffin Construction for drainage ditch improvements at County Road 10 and Burr Oaks St. was approved. Councilor Ken Jacobson was absent. Mark Welch, G-Cubed Inc. engineer, explained that project specifications were sent out to eight contractors. Three bids were received, one was rescinded. Griffin … [Read more...]