Houston County Commissioners approved a 3% increase for themselves with meeting stipends staying the same at the December 19 regularly scheduled commission meeting. The vote was two to three in favor of increasing their annual compensation. Finance Officer Carol Lapham confirmed that a 3% increase is included in the 2024 budget. Commissioners Eric Johnson and Greg Myhre both … [Read more...]
Village Decides Final Levy
After months of discussion, the Rushford Village Council nailed down the 2024 budget and levy. Despite the unanimous vote, some on the council felt the village would fall short, while others expressed concern it was too high. The final levy is $535,000. The levy represents a 7% increase over 2023. City Clerk Mary Miner expects $688,671 in expenses and $629,178 in disbursements, … [Read more...]
R-P’s Truth in Taxation Hearing
The yearly Truth in Taxation hearing was held at the beginning of the regular Rushford-Peterson board meeting December 18. Using the MREA template, Business Manager Toni Oian presented the proposed taxes that will be collected in 2023-2024 and used to finance the school for the 2024-2025 school year. The state continues to lag behind inflation in its funding. Funding will … [Read more...]
Fillmore County’s Legislative Priorities
Senator Jeremy Miller and Representative Greg Davids attended the December 19 board meeting to hear priorities detailed by each department head. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery thanked legislators for the 2024 increase in County Program Aid in the amount of $257,257 and County Engineer Ron Gregg thanked legislators for supporting state bridge bonding funds. The county … [Read more...]
Caledonia Public Schools Wrap Up Semester 1
Caledonia Area Public School Board members met Monday, December 18 at Caledonia Elementary School in Room #162. Board member Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., led with the Pledge of Allegiance, and conducted roll call. Board members present included Derek Adamson, Tim Gunn, Leigh King, Melissa Marschall, Daniel Small and Spencer Yohe. Also in attendance were … [Read more...]
Decorah School District Declines to Renew Enrollment Agreement with M-C
The Decorah School Board met on Monday, December 11, for their regular meeting. One particular item on the agenda brought in a standing room only crowd – the board was to discuss whether or not to renew its enrollment agreement with Mabel-Canton. The origins of this situation date back to when the former North Winn School District – which covered territory between Decorah … [Read more...]
Eitzen Considers Automating the Town’s Wellhouse and Lift Stations
Frustrated after hearing about the cost to replace the controls at the town’s wellhouse and the five lift stations, Eitzen Councilwoman Emily Burrichter wondered out loud how to get residents to understand that flushing wipes down the toilet are costing the town thousands of dollars. Discussion took place at the town’s December 12 city council meeting, The council heard two … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Addresses Personnel Items
The December 12 meeting of the county board was dominated by personnel matters. Fillmore County has requested to withdraw from the Minnesota Merit System, effective January 1, 2025. Lindsi Engle, human resources officer, said all documents will be submitted as part of the certification process. The state has a year to review the documents before granting approval. DDA Human … [Read more...]
Chatfield Certifies 2024 Levy
On December 11, the last scheduled meeting of the Chatfield City Council in 2023, councilors worked their way through a lengthy agenda. During the Truth in Taxation public hearing, City Administrator Michele Peterson noted the cost drivers which included escalating equipment prices, technology security, insurance, and inflation. She broke down the distribution of property … [Read more...]
Lanesboro School Sets Levy
At the Truth in Taxation hearing during the December 13 Lanesboro School Board meeting, Superintendent Matt Schultz presented tax and budget information to the public. This year the total proposed property taxes went up 2.59% to $1,101,792. The year before had seen a total of $1,074,012 which had been down 91%. Schultz pointed out that seasonal recreational property such as a … [Read more...]