Houston County Commissions recognized and thanked the following Houston County employees for their service to the county. Ten-year awards – Justin L. Conway, Steven T. Garrett, James I. Houdek, Kathleen A. Lager, Maria L. Stemper, Donna I. Trehus, and Teresa A. Walter. 15-year awards – Laurie A. Bigalk, Jennifer L. Blocker, Bethany M. Moen, and Michelle L. Schulte. 20-year … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson reports financial status at Truth in Taxation meeting
December 20 found the R-P School Board conducting their regular monthly board meeting as well as the required Truth in Taxation meeting. Business manager Toni Oian presented a PowerPoint sharing the district’s financial status; Superintendent Jon Thompson then spoke to share his viewpoint on the district’s financial situation. Oian told the public that the local building … [Read more...]
Clean audit for Houston schools
Luke Gerden, manager of Clifton Larson Allen, an accounting firm from Rochester, appeared via the internet at the December 16 Houston School Board meeting to share the results of the current audit. He reported a clean audit with no compliance issues. Since the school had over $750,000 in federal expenditures this past year, a single audit was required as well. The Coronavirus … [Read more...]
Lanesboro School Board sets tax levy
The December 16 Lanesboro School Board meeting opened with its annual Truth in Taxation meeting. The law requires the school to hold the meeting before setting the tax levy. Superintendent Matt Schultz reviewed the information with the board. The total revenues for last year were $5,673,116 and the expenditures were $5,691,342. The current year’s budget sits at $6,728,252 in … [Read more...]
Eitzen’s last city council meeting of the year
The Eitzen City Council held its last meeting of the year Tuesday, December 14. Mayor Jeffrey Adamson and Council members Mitch Lange, Doug Meyer, and Mitch Luttchens, as well as Steve Schuldt, city clerk, were all in attendance. Emily Burrichter was absent. Mayor Adamson called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. The council unanimously approved the November 10, 2021, city … [Read more...]
2021 impacted by COVID
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...]