At the final Chatfield City Council meeting in 2022, the property tax levy for taxes payable in 2023 was approved. The total levy will be $2,444,756, which is an increase of 5.793% over 2022, or $133,879. Prior to approval of the 2023 levy, the Truth in Taxation public hearing was held. The 2023 levy includes a pay increase for the mayor and city council, a 5% pay grid … [Read more...]
Fillmore County supports new funding formula for corrections
At the county board’s December 13 meeting, commissioners passed a resolution urging the legislature to pass a new funding formula and significant appropriation in the upcoming 2023 legislative session. The Association of Minnesota Counties Community Supervision Work Group has urged all 87 counties to give their support. Community supervision such as probation, supervised … [Read more...]
Explaining 2023 Fillmore County property taxes
Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer Christy Smith recently sent out proposed property taxes for 2023 to property owners. Property taxes are collected to pay for services provided by the county, city, township, and school taxing districts. Each property owner is asked to pay his/her fair share, no more and no less. Jason McCaslin, county assessor, is responsible for estimating the … [Read more...]
Houston Council approves police camera purchase
The Houston City Council accepted a proposal for the purchase of a camera system for the new community center/police headquarters at their regular meeting December 12. The setup will include a fully wireless system with our cameras on the outside of the building as well as two cameras inside. The package will cost $3,504.93 and will provide the needed security for the … [Read more...]
Rushford to seek assistant ambulance director
The City of Rushford has always had a dedicated volunteer ambulance crew. The numbers of willing persons is dwindling across the country, but the demand for their work is increasing. At the December 12 meeting, the council moved forward the first review for an assistant director/emergency medical service training coordinator for the department. By creating the new position, the … [Read more...]
Spring Valley City Council hears fire and noise complaints, sets tax levy, discusses snow removal
The Spring Valley City Council heard from two residents regarding unattended fires in the city at their meeting on Monday, December 12. The council passed a revised ordinance regarding burning at their meeting in November, requiring that for a fire to be considered “attended,” there must be someone within 10 feet at all times, with a water hose or other means of extinguishing … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council approves tax levy
After reviewing the tax levy for 2023, the Whalan City Council approved the levy in the amount of $56,102.00 during the December council meeting held at Whalan City Hall. Present at the December 12 regularly scheduled city council meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin; council members attending in person were Thore E. Johnson and Sheila Higbe. Councilmember Owen Lewis attended … [Read more...]
Chatfield School Board thanks retiring board members
At the December 14 school board meeting, board members Josh Thompson, Jill Harstad, Lanny Isensee, Katie Priebe and Tom Keefe were present as well as Superintendent Ed Harris, Principals Shane McBroom, Eric Nelson and Trista O’Connor, business manager. Board member Matt McMahon was absent. Superintendent Harris led the Truth in Taxation hearing with a number of slides … [Read more...]
Caledonia sets 2023 Levy
The Caledonia City Council held its annual Truth in Taxation meeting at the December 12 council meeting. The council approved the 2023 proposed budget and 8% levy for taxes payable in 2023. Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members in attendance include Mayor Schroeder, … [Read more...]
Tensions flare at Peterson meeting
The last Peterson Council meeting of the year, held on December 14, addressed several annual items and two agenda items added by outgoing Mayor Dave Colbenson. It included employee review for new Public Works Director Tim Hallum and discussion on the council itself. Public comment is taken at the beginning of the meeting, limited to three minutes per person. However, … [Read more...]