At the December 14, 2020, Houston City Council meeting, the focus was on the proposed OHV (off highway vehicle) trail planned for the area near South Park. Karla Bloem, executive director of the Owl Center, had sent an email to the council about the noise such a trail might create; she and other concerned citizens attended the meeting to ask further questions. The DNR had … [Read more...]
Whalan Council continues with virtual meetings
With the COVID-19 pandemic gaining strength recently, the Whalan City Council met virtually through Zoom on Monday, December 14, 2020. Present at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting included Mayor Marlys Tuftin, council members Kim Berekvam, Owen Lewis, Thore Johnson and Tanya Cook, as well as City Clerk Michele Peterson. Three New Business items were added to the … [Read more...]
Wykoff Community Center access mulled
On December 16, the Wykoff City Council met in regular session. Council members in attendance included Lyle Morey, Richard Gleason, Mayor Al Williams, and Mary Tjepkes. City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare also attended. Mary Sackett was absent. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was held via remote technology (Zoom meeting). One item that generated … [Read more...]
Chatfield certifies 2021 levy
At the December 14 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, the final levy for 2021 was approved. The levy increase is 3.98%, or $86,101. The total 2021 levy will be $2,247,789. City Clerk Joel Young reviewed 2020 and took a look forward to 2021 during the Truth in Taxation public hearing required by state statute. Due to the COVID pandemic the antiquated telephone system in … [Read more...]
Rushford Village approves final tax levy
The Rushford Village Council unanimously approved setting the final tax levy at $475,000 for 2021. The amount represents a 5.5% increase over the $450,000 levied for 2020. The largest increases are for engineering needed for ongoing maintenance of public streets, particularly in South Rushford, and other Public Works needs, including road rock for the city’s extensive miles … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council hears EDA report
On December 14, the Spring Valley City Council held the annual Truth in Taxation public hearing immediately prior to their regular council meeting. All members were present (Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland, and Mayor Tony Archer). Also attending was city clerk/administrator Deb Zimmer. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, masks and social distancing … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton eyes possible COVID surge
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on December 15. Most members were present in person, although Business Manager Aimee Lake participated via remote technology. Superintendent Gary Kuphal spoke to the board regarding the COVID-19 trends in the local area, and throughout the county. He stated that although numbers have been increasing in Fillmore County, … [Read more...]
Rushford ties up year-end items
The Rushford City Council met December 14, via online platform, to finalize the property tax levy payable in 2021. While the deadline to approve was not until the next meeting, concern over possible weather issues and pandemic restrictions saw Councilor Sally Ryman motion to approve it at this time. The preliminary levy was set in September at $1,017,000, which represented a … [Read more...]
Sharp rise in Preston’s residential property taxes
Preston’s December 7 city council meeting centered on the presentation of the annual city budget and proposed tax levy; this hearing is required by the state and allows for public comment. However, the actual proposed levy ended up being of less concern than the significant residential valuation increases. Residential property taxes will be up significantly next year (a 15 to … [Read more...]
Kingsland Distance Learning “Plus”
On December 7, the Kingsland School Board held their monthly “work session” meeting. Members in attendance included Jackie Horsman, Noella Lund, Tiffany Mundfrom, Maranda Emig, and Kyle Rader. Natasha Howard was absent. Also in attendance were Superintendent Jim Hecimovich, Principal Scott Klavetter, Athletic Director Mark Fitzpatrick, Building & Grounds Director Jason … [Read more...]