By Zech Sindt The Wykoff City Council convened for their monthly meeting on December 9th at 7 p.m., with a full attendance of council members and city officials, including Mayor Ryan Breckenridge, City Administrator Becky Schmidt, Administrative Assistant Luann Hare, and council members Kaleb Himli, Lyle Morey, Barbara Fate and Jeffrey Hare.  The meeting commenced with … [Read more...]

The Spring Valley City Council held their Truth and Taxation hearing prior to their December 9 meeting. The council reviewed their proposed property tax levy, which will be collectable in 2025, with the numbers set as such, the general operating budget at $676,158, parks at $182,000, the economic development authority (EDA) set at $81,427 and library at $170,000. The total debt … [Read more...]

During the December 9 city council meeting, the city of Whalan approved the transfer of ownership of the city’s municipal electric system to MiEnergy Cooperative effective January 1, 2025. Present at the regularly scheduled Whalan meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Thore E. Johnson and Sheila Higbe. Councilmember Owen Lewis attended the meeting … [Read more...]

Police Chief Brett Hurley brought an applicant’s name for the newly established police officer trainee position in Houston to the city council’s December 9 meeting. He recommended the hiring of Curtis Chapel for the position, commenting that Chapel was local and had already served as an intern in the police department in Houston. Chapel was approved pending the usual … [Read more...]

After months of budgetary discussion, the Rushford Council voted unanimously on December 9 to approve the final levy at $1,180,232. The levy represents $41,601 over 2024, just over a 3.6% increase. The city works to spread bonds and projects out over time to keep the levy from increasing dramatically. The overall tax rate, determined by dividing the levy by the tax capacity, … [Read more...]

City Administrator Michele Peterson presented Truth in Taxation information during a hearing at the city council’s December 9 meeting. Peterson listed guiding principles which include maintaining a steady, predictable tax rate at around 90% which has been achieved. Another goal is to reduce the city’s debt per capita to $3,500 or less (currently at $3,738). The city’s budget … [Read more...]

County Administrator Bobbie Hillery explained on the purpose of the Truth in Taxation Hearing is to discuss the county’s 2025 budget and levy. Several people attended theDecember 3 meeting to express their concerns after recently receiving their property valuations and proposed 2025 property tax. Hillery said they could meet with staff from the assessor’s office after the … [Read more...]

The December 3 Rushford Village City Council meeting started with a discussion with Community Economic Development Authority (CEDA) Community and Business Development Specialist Rebecca Charles. She stated she and city engineer Derek Olinger of Bolton & Menk met regarding the potential Safe Routes to School Project and grant.  At the last meeting, Olinger expressed … [Read more...]

At the board’s December 3 meeting, Sheriff John DeGeorge explained body worn cameras could be integrated with the squad car camera system. Funding for body worn cameras is in the 2025 Sheriff Department budget. There is a process that must be adhered to before the cameras are purchased. Policy that details when the cameras will be activated will be discussed at the December … [Read more...]

At the December 2 city council meeting, it was decided to look into other options for the EDA. No motion was made to sign a 2025 contract with Community for Economic Development Associates (CEDA) for 2025. The current contract with CEDA provides for an EDA director for two days per week; the contract will end December 31, 2024. Councilman Dean Aug was absent from the … [Read more...]

At the December 4 meeting, the Fountain City Council heard from citizen Kaye Unnasch during the time for public comments. Unnasch resides at 603 Birch Street. In recent discussion regarding external wood stoves/boilers within the city, it was noted that Unnasch’s wood boiler is not up to code. Having received a letter from the city regarding the non-compliance, Unnasch stressed … [Read more...]

The city of Lanesboro was recently awarded $100,000 in USDA grant funds to support business development, expansion, and succession. This is Lanesboro’s second $100,000 grant within a four-year span. The purpose of the USDA grant program is to promote economic development and job creation. Applicants for these grant funds, such as the city of Lanesboro, compete for grant dollars … [Read more...]