The Fillmore County Truth in Taxation public hearing was held on the evening of December 14. The public was represented by six citizens. As often happens, this hearing is confused with the Board of Appeal and Equalization held in the spring for property owners who question their property valuation and taxes. People who attended the Truth in Taxation hearing that had questions … [Read more...]
Spring Valley property valuations discussed
The Spring Valley City Council held a regular council meeting on December 13. All members were present (Mayor Tony Archer, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Luan Ruesink and Greg Brooks). City Administrator/Clerk Deb Zimmer also participated. Immediately prior to the regular meeting, the city’s annual “Truth in Taxation” public hearing was held. Jason McCaslin gave a summary of … [Read more...]
Ostrander hears request to allow poultry
During the December 14 Ostrander City Council meeting, the council heard a request from Lyn Mills, along with Michelle and Mark Rathbun. They asked the council to consider allowing them to raise poultry within city limits. Mills said if they are given permission, they would raise no more than four birds, and no roosters. She added that their cleaning practices would control … [Read more...]
Chatfield reduces 2022 property tax levy increase to 2.8%
At the December 13 meeting of the Chatfield City Council the final 2022 tax levy and budget were approved/certified. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. The city’s Truth in Taxation Hearing dominated the meeting. The preliminary levy approved in September had an increase of 3.98% for 2022; since then that number has been pared-down to a 2.8% increase, or an increase of $63,088. … [Read more...]
Whalan Council approves street project
After hearing from residents and property owners at a constructive neighborhood meeting, the Whalan City Council approved moving forward with the street project proposed last month by Fillmore County Engineer Ron Gregg. Present at the December 13 council meeting were Mayor Marlys Tuftin along with council members Kim Berekvam and Thore E. Johnson, as well as Owen Lewis who … [Read more...]
Houston will cover EMT training cost
The Houston City Council decided to pay the training expenses of individuals willing to become trained EMTs at their regular council meeting December 13, 2021. People who train to become EMTs are asked to invest almost 200 hours of their own time for the training. They meet in person once a week during the course and complete the remainder online at their convenience. The … [Read more...]
Martin Herrick hired as Houston County Environmental Services director
The Houston County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 14, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the historic county courthouse, downtown Caledonia. Commissioners present Chairman Bob Burns, Dewey Severson, Eric Johnson, Teresa Walter, and Greg Myhre. Chairman Burns led the commissioners and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting agenda was … [Read more...]
Harmony council denies petition to vacate portion of Center Street
A public hearing was held at the December 14 Harmony City Council meeting to discuss a request from three property owners to vacate Center Street past 3rd Ave. W. City Administrator Devin Swanberg noted that in terms of future planning for a city, it’s generally a bad idea to vacate a street as it could cause issues later. If the city were to decide to develop the land behind … [Read more...]
Caledonia City Council finalizes 6.5% tax levy
On December 13 the Caledonia City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting. At 6 p.m. Mayor Schroeder called the meeting to order and led the council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members attending included Mayor DeWayne “Tank” Schroeder, Amanda Ninneman, Brad Rykhus, and Robert “Bob” Klug. Absent, Councilman David Fitzpatrick. Also in attendance were … [Read more...]
Rushford moves closer to deciding levy
In September, the Rushford City Council set the maximum levy at $1,017,000, representing a 0% increase over the 2021 levy. At the December 13 meeting, more discussion on the topic was held with City Clerk Kathy Zacher presenting comparative and historical data, as well as updates on capital projects. “In keeping it level this year, we’re decreasing some of our funds and we’re … [Read more...]