City Administrator Joe Hoffman presented numbers for the 2020 budget and levy at the council’s December 2 meeting. The Truth in Taxation hearing is required by state law to allow the public to comment before the adoption of the final budget and levy. No one from the public was present to comment on the preliminary budget and levy. The final budget and levy will be adopted at … [Read more...]
Fountain Council reverses course on truck routes
The Fountain City Council met in regular session on December 4, with all council members present (Ron Reisner, Dave Gudmundson, Chad Wangen, Terry Hanson, and Mayor Jim Schott). City Clerk Rhonda Flattum was absent, so Deb Schott recorded notes of the proceedings. No other citizens were in attendance. The council returned to a previously addressed topic of truck routes on … [Read more...]
PFA awards funding for four Minnesota cities Over $9.5 million will go to water infrastructure projects
ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority today announced more than $9.5 million in awards for four Minnesota cities. Clear Lake, Frazee, Montrose and Waverly will all receive funding for water infrastructure projects. “Clean water is essential to the health of families, the growth of communities and the expansion of business in our state,” said Minnesota Governor … [Read more...]
Minnesota unemployment holds at 3.2%
According to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 3.2% in October. The national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October increased to 3.6%. Minnesota added 7,400 jobs in the month of October. Meanwhile, September’s employment growth was revised up to 1,600 … [Read more...]
Chatfield grows its tax capacity
At the November 25 Chatfield City Council meeting, City Clerk Joel Young reviewed the proposed 2020 budget/levy and financial plans for years into the future. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. A reduction of $42,500 has been made since the preliminary budget numbers were approved. Young explained three items are notable for the effect they have on budget increases for … [Read more...]
Rushford takes input on UTV/ATV usage
The City of Rushford is in the early stages of researching the potential benefits and ramifications of allowing the use of certain recreational vehicles within the city limits. Currently, Class 1 all-terrain vehicles and Class 2 utility task vehicles are not allowed on Minnesota State Highways, three of which converge in Rushford. Additionally, the state DNR law does not allow … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Library donation bins removed
Spring Valley City Council held a regular meeting on November 25. Members present included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Mike Hadland was in his sheriff’s department uniform, so although he was in the room, he was not performing in his role on the council. No citizens asked to address the council. Library … [Read more...]
Affordable housing leads to economic vitality
SE MN Together and the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund hosted two informational meetings concerning housing and a growing workforce (November 6 in Northfield and November 14 in Spring Valley). Several speakers and panels provided information pertaining to the relationship between adequate affordable housing and the attraction and maintenance of an adequate workforce. Many … [Read more...]
Kingsland audit yields clean report
During the regular board meeting on November 20, the Kingsland School Board heard a summary of the recent financial audit. All board members were in attendance (board chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, and Kyle Rader) as well as Superintendent James Hecimovich, Business Manager Amber Uhlenhake, Principal Scott Klavetter, and … [Read more...]
Melander embezzlement omnibus hearing set for January
Lolitta Melander, 52, of Lanesboro, is facing charges including embezzlement of public funds and other felonies, related to allegations that she misappropriated funds during her time as city clerk/treasurer for the City of Canton. In March 2019, Melander resigned her position for the City of Canton, and was replaced by Brock Bergey. The City of Canton issued a news … [Read more...]